Places to visit in Florence

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower o The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral of Florence ( Duomo di Firenze).

It was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio and was structurally completed by 1436, with the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink, bordered by white, and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.

The cathedral complex, in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major tourist attraction of Tuscany.

The basilica is one of Italy's largest churches, and until the development of new structural materials in the modern era, the dome was the largest in the world. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.

The Piazzale Michelangelo was built on the hills located south of the Florence's historic center.

In 1873 a copy of Michelangelo's David was taken to the square and this square was dedicated to the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo.

The Piazzale Michelangelo offers a beautiful panoramic view of Florence and the Arno, and is definitely a must stop for tourists and Florentines.

The Baptistery, or Battistero di San Giovanni, stands in front of the Duomo or cathedral. It is dedicated to Florence’s patron saint, John the Baptist, and is the oldest building in the square. Until the 19th century, it was where all of Florence's Catholics were baptized.

The building is octagonal in shape and features a dome with eight facets. It is clad in white and green marble, similar to the Duomo and Giotto’s Campanile.

Inside, the Byzantine mosaic on the dome and the tomb of Antipope John XXIII, designed by Donatello, are noteworthy highlights.

On the exterior, there are three bronze doors providing access to the Baptistery, created at the behest of the influential Wool Merchants Guild.

The oldest, the South Door, dates back to 1330 and was designed by Andrea Pisano. In the early 15th century, the North Door, crafted by Ghiberti, was added.

Lastly, the most renowned is the door facing the Cathedral, which Michelangelo famously dubbed the Gates of Paradise, for its extraordinary beauty. Created by Lorenzo Ghiberti, he spent 26 years working on its 10 bronze panels, each depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

Santa Maria Novella is an architectural and spiritual gem at the heart of Florence. As you approach its stunning white and green marble façade, designed by Leon Battista Alberti in the 15th century, you'll feel as though you've traveled back in time. This Dominican temple, located in the square of the same name, is one of the most beautiful churches in the city, serving as a living testament to the Florentine Renaissance. Its harmonious proportions and elegant geometric decorations invite you to step into a world where art and faith intertwine.

Crossing its threshold, you'll be awed by its breathtaking Gothic interior. Light filtered through the colorful stained glass illuminates frescoes by artists like Masaccio, whose "Holy Trinity" revolutionized perspective in painting, and Ghirlandaio, whose fresco cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel vividly depicts scenes from the lives of the Virgin and St. John the Baptist. With every step, you'll encounter a new masterpiece, from Giotto's famous crucifix to the refined elegance of the Green Cloister, where peace envelops visitors.

But Santa Maria Novella is not just a museum of sacred art; it’s a place of living history. In its ancient convent, you'll find the historic pharmacy of the Dominican friars, founded in 1221, where perfumes and remedies are still crafted today according to ancient formulas. Wandering through its charming courtyard, you can imagine the monks concocting potions with aromatic herbs brought from distant lands. Visiting Santa Maria Novella is a unique experience, a meeting of history, art, and spirituality that will leave an indelible mark on you.