Florence is a city best know for it's Renaissance art, street markets and grand churches. I've been there before but that was way back in 1996 and I wasn't old enough then to really appreciate the city.
Some of the must see sights for me are:
- Galleria dell'Accademia - This is where you will see Michelangelo' David. One of the mos famous sculptures ever. There are also a number of Renaissance paintings to be found in the gallery. I hear you should make reservations ahead of time though or be prepared to wait a while in line.
- Uffizi Gallery - This gallery contains some of the greatest Italian paintings around. I am not big on paintings and my wife is even less so but we will still likely visit this gallery.
- Duomo, Duomo Museum and climbing the Duomo Dome - The massive Gothic cathedral and the museum across the way with lots of sculptures. The dome is one of the many things to climb with a great view. If there is something to climb with a view it is on my list.
- Institute and Museum of the History of Science - Great artifacts from the early days of science and the middle finger from the right hand of Galileo Galilei.
- Ponte Vecchio - Famous bridge with many shops.
- Pitti Palace and gardens - Former home of the Medici family with lots of art. My sister reccommended this place for the beautiful gardens though.
- Piazzale Michelangelo - A great panoramic view of the city!
- Santa Croce Church - Burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Gentile and Rossini, thus it is known also as the Pantheon of the Italian Glories.
- Bargello - Sculpture museum and former barracks. I've read that it is not very crowded.
- Medici Chapel - Tombs of the Medici family, designed and carved by Michelangelo.
- San Marco Museum - Early Renaissance artwork by Fra Angelico.
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella - Church built in the 13th century that contains famous frescoes from the Gothic and early Renaissance periods.
- Brancacci Chapel - Church with a famous fresco by Masaccio.
- Giotto's Tower - Another view like the Duomo Dome but with a few less steps and a shorter line.
- Baptistery - Possibly the oldest building in Florence. Bronze doors are the gates of paradise. Next to the Duomo.
- Medici-Riccardi Palace - Home of Lorenzo the Magnificent with more art.
- Palazzo Vecchio - Florence town hall and former Medici home.
No comments:
Post a Comment