The 25 Best Sights of Florence

Sunny and cheerful Florence, now the capital of Tuscany, is the city from which all of Europe rushed into the Renaissance era. Locals say that when you walk through Florence you can’t miss a museum or landmark by chance. Indeed, the number of sites of historical or cultural significance in this European city is simply “off the charts. To see them all, you’d have to stay here for a long time. But our experts have compiled for you a list of the 25 most interesting sights, which should be visited first of all, among them are churches, squares, museums, stores, even ancient cemeteries.

Rating of the best sights in Florence

Museums and Galleries of Florence

Florence is rich in museums, among which there are objects with original exhibits of world significance. To visit the capital of Tuscany without visiting the Uffizi Gallery or the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts is to miss a great chance to see masterpieces of painting and sculpture.

Uffizi Gallery

Rating: 5.0

The Uffizi Gallery is one of Florence’s most beloved tourist attractions. There are regularly thousands of queues at the entrance, but it is definitely worth spending the time to see the magnificent architecture of the gallery buildings. And also on unique pictures of legendary artists from all over the world collected in its walls.

The Uffizi Gallery was built by Cosimo 1 de’ Medici in 1560. The ruler intended to bring together in one building all the government offices of the city. The result, after Cosimo I died, was a large-scale building in the center of Florence that was surrounded by lush gardens. The building also housed a theater and an art gallery.

Gradually the Uffizi Gallery became home to all the paintings and sculptures owned by the Medici dynasty. Including Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece “Birth of Venus,” the sculpture Venus de Medici. As well as paintings and statues by Rafael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Aivazovsky and many other artists.

In addition to the exhibition halls in the gallery there is a library, a small café and a bookstore.

Tickets for admission range from 12 to 20 euros.

Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts

Rating: 4.9

This gallery is probably the most important, most famous and most often visited museum not only in the capital of Tuscany, but in all of Italy, and maybe even in Europe. The collection belonging to the museum is not only vast, but some of its exhibits are truly ancient. The academy itself was founded in 1561; at that time it was the first institution on the European continent where painting was taught. The academy had great prestige; all Florentine schools of fine art were under its control. Among the graduates of the academy are Luigi Mussini, Michele Gorgiani, Luigi Sabatelli. In the 18th century, the Academy opened its Picture Gallery, which was soon enriched with masterpieces of various kinds of art.

Among the gallery’s major exhibits are the original “David” statue, Michelangelo’s “Prisoners” sculpture, a statue of St. Matthew, “Evangelist Luke” – they were planned to be placed in St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. Equally rich and valuable is the collection of paintings that includes works by the most famous and revered artists of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Entrance ticket to the gallery costs 8 euros.

Giorgio Vasari House Museum

Rating: 4.8

The Vasari House in Florence is one of the two main places where the famous Italian Renaissance artist Giorgio Vasari lived. It is in the Tuscan capital where the artist spent his last years, where he died in 1574. Despite the fact that more than 400 years have passed since then, and that the building has changed owners many times, and was subjected to reconstructions, it still preserves the magnificent frescoes by the maestro and his students. The Great Hall, which opened to the public in 2011, is decorated with frescos.

The Vasari house originally belonged to Nicollo Spinelli, then to Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, who gave the building to Vasari as a sign of respect and gratitude for his work as court painter to the Medici dynasty. The artist and his students painted the interiors of the house, particularly the Great Hall and Salon. The main attraction of the house is the bust of Vasari, painted on the mantelpiece. It is so realistic that from a distance it looks like a sculpture, not a painting. On the window wall you can see the portraits of the 13 artists Vasari considered to be the most prominent at the time: Giotto, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, etc.d.

A visit to the site is possible by reservation.

Dante Alighieri House Museum

Rating: 4.7

The House Museum of Dante Alighieri is a Florence landmark that is most frequently visited by fans of literature, in particular by admirers of the work of the great writer. But this is not the house where the famous artist lived. The building was erected in 1910 on the foundations of Dante’s home. At the same time, the museum is definitely worth a visit, as its three floors house a rich collection of relics and artifacts related to the life and works of Alighieri, as well as his contemporaries. The exhibits help you to find out in what historical and cultural environment the poet lived and what he was inspired by.

On the first floor you will find an exhibition devoted to the Apothecaries’ Guild (of which Alighieri was a member) and the political and economic life of medieval Florence in Dante’s time. The Battle of Campaldino, in which the poet took a direct part.

On the second floor there are exhibits dedicated to the poet’s exile, including a copy of the book of court decisions that contains the verdict handed down by Alighieri. Also next door is Dante’s bedroom, or rather a reconstruction of what it supposedly looked like.

On the third floor there is an exhibition of copies of publications from the poet’s lifetime, and of costumes worn by the Florentine nobility during the Middle Ages.

Cost to visit the attraction – from 2 to 4 euros.

Soccer Museum

Rating: 4.6

The Museum of Football is perhaps the most important “male” attraction of the capital of Tuscany. The institution, which opened in 2011, is located in the modern area of the city – Coverciano. The museum is visited not only by soccer fans, but also by anyone interested in the history and development of the sport in Italy.

The museum exhibition includes trophies of Italian soccer clubs and small stands devoted to the life and sporting achievements of the most titled national and foreign players who have contributed to the history of the sport. And also departments where you can find information about the history of soccer in Italy, from 1910, when the national soccer team was founded, to the present. Tourists can see the ball of the first national championship, the cleats of famous players in the past, sports equipment, photographs of national teams, their awards at international tournaments, and many other interesting exhibits. Visitors can also buy a variety of souvenirs.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, there is also a part of the exhibition, which is renewed every year. The Hall of Fame inducts the best player, coach, referee and other important personalities in the world of soccer.

Churches, temples, basilicas, bell towers of Florence

Religious sites dominate Florence’s attractions. Guests of the city have the opportunity to visit churches and temples that were built by great architects and architects, decorated by world famous artists, painters and carvers, sculptors and sculptors.

Santa Maria del Fiore

Rating: 5.0

Santa Maria del Fiore is an ancient Gothic cathedral, the most recognizable building in the Tuscan capital. Experts consider the temple a masterpiece of Italian and world architecture that strikes with its exquisite beauty and elegance, for centuries it has been a real decoration of Florence. It is one of the five most grandiose cathedrals in the world (length over 1.5 km, width 100 m) and can accommodate up to 30,000 visitors at a time.

Work on the cathedral began in 1296, and was not completed until the 19th century. The construction of the dome alone took more than 15 years, despite the fact that at that time, under the control of Filippo Brunelleschi, the latest technology was already being used that did not involve the use of scaffolding. The author believed that the octagonal, soaring dome itself above the cathedral walls was the main decoration of the building. But in spite of this, it was decorated with frescoes, which nowadays want to be removed.

The exterior façade is made of multicolored marble slabs and features a variety of sculptures and statues. The interior is no less luxurious – the marble floor, the naves with lancet arches, graceful arches, comfortable galleries, high walls decorated with pilasters.

Santa Croce Basilica

Rating: 4.9

Basilica of Santa Croce is famous as the final resting place of the city’s most famous residents, the so-called “Pantheon of Florence. Visitors can see the tombs of Galileo and Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Rossini and many other personalities of his time.

Santa Croce Basilica is one of Florence’s largest, most beautiful and majestic churches. It was erected at the end of the 13th century to an architectural design by Brunelleschi and, despite all subsequent events, has managed to preserve the polychrome graceful stained glass windows, the magnificent frescoes by Giotto, Giambologna, the altar by Donatello.

Santa Croce Basilica has 16 chapels, each unique and beautiful in its own way. There is a sarcophagus with Dante’s name engraved on it, but the tomb is empty. The poet’s ashes are in Ravenna, where he lived after his exile from Florence.

Today the Basilica of the Holy Cross is not so much a religious site as a kind of museum. Tourists visit the temple mainly to admire the work of famous architects, sculptors, carvers and artists of famous times.

Admission tickets for children over 11 and adults cost 6 to 8 euros.

San Giovanni Baptistery

Rating: 4.8

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is considered one of the oldest buildings in the city center. The Romanesque building was constructed in the 5th century and got its final look at the end of the 11th century. Today the baptistery looks like a gorgeous octagonal building with a mosaic dome-shaped roof made of green-and-white marble. The central mosaic on the dome depicts the Last Judgment with Jesus Christ in the center.

The purpose of San Giovanni was Christian baptism, which took place in the baptistery until the 19th century. Many of Florence’s citizens have converted here, as well as illustrious and titled people like the Medici family, the poet Dante.

The main attraction of San Giovanni Baptistery is its gate. The eastern entrance is decorated with gilded panels with bas-reliefs of biblical subjects. The southern and northern gates are also covered with bas-reliefs, 28 for each entrance. The southern doors are by the hand of Pisano; the paintings on them tell of the life and deeds of John the Baptist. The eastern doors, “Gates of Paradise”, were painted by Lorenzo Ghiberti whose bas-reliefs also refer to the events recounted in the Bible. Also in the baptistery is the tomb of the Antipope John 23 (Baltasar Cossa).

Tickets to the baptistery cost €5.

San Lorenzo Basilica

Rating: 4.7

The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest churches in Florence, it was founded in the 4th century A.D. and is one of the oldest churches in the city.je. The main attraction of the sacred site are the tombs of the famous Medici clan, the former “masters” of Florence, in the New Sacristy (Medici Chapel). The tombstones of the nobles were carved in stone by Michelangelo; the splendid basilica pulpits are by Donatello.

The exterior architecture of the temple is very modest and even austere. The building looks like a stone barn with clear lines of walls without windows, strict proportions, absence of decorative elements. At the same time, inside the temple visitors can see the fragile and graceful decoration, which was worked on by many masters.

The final look of the basilica was in the 15th century, before that it had been finished by Brunelleschi, Donatello, whose authors are the sculptural and bronze cherubs, the shaped doors, and the starry sky, as it was on the night of July 3 to 4, 1442. Filippo Lippi worked on the “Annunciation” painting, and Michelangelo, besides the tombstones, made a balcony for the exhibition of relics.

Cost to visit the site – from 4.5 to 8 euros.

Giotto’s bell tower

Rating: 4.6

Giotto’s bell tower in the Duomo Square is more popular with tourists and visitors than the Cathedral itself, which it adorns. The belfry is 85 meters high; its construction began in 1334 at the initiative of Giotto, the architect, who was invited by the Florentines to build the cathedral. For some unknown reason he started the construction from the bell tower. After his death Andrea Pisano took over, then Neri di Fioravanti.

It is not difficult to explain the popularity of Giotto’s bell tower. It’s because of its luxurious white-pink-green walls, which are so attractive to the eye… And also in the fact that its sparkling mosaic patterns can be seen from anywhere in the city. Last but not least, the bell tower is a perfect example of Gothic architecture. The sculptures of the Prophets placed in the niches of the first tier of the bell tower are considered by specialists to be the main heritage of the Florentine Proto-Renaissance period.

Climbing up to the observation deck of the bell tower, tourists have the opportunity to view almost all of Florence in its beauty and charm. There are only 414 steps, no elevator.

Tickets for the bell tower, dome, baptistery, museum and crypts cost 18€.

Historical sites – palaces, castles, libraries, bridges

The historical sites of Florence deserve a lot of attention from tourists from all over the world. This is the epitome of magnificent architecture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It has luxurious interiors and collections of valuable items, from crockery and clothing to books and manuscripts.

Palazzo Vecchio

Rating: 5.0

Palazzo Vecchio is rightly considered the most lavishly decorated and luxurious structure in the capital of Tuscany. The palace, formerly called the Signoria, is a masterpiece of architectural art, and a concentration of the most valuable paintings and sculptures. The palace is also impressive inside with its breathtaking interiors and 16th-century frescoes. Originally a seat of government in Florence, the palace was later occupied by Duke Cosimo de Medici of Tuscany. Used for the residence of the nobility and the storage of the family jewels, objets d’art and ceremonial costumes.

The Palazzo Vecchio consists of three courtyards, a huge central hall, the Cappella Signoria, the Dressing Room, and other equally beautifully decorated rooms. Visiting the site you can see a copy of Michelangelo’s David and Genius of Victory (the original), the sculptures of Hercules and Cacus by Banjdinelli, Judith and Holofernes by Donatello, statues by Verrocchio, frescoes by Vasari, a dolphin-shaped fountain. The interior of halls and rooms are impressive with Baroque frescoed panels, azure ceiling with golden facets. It’s hard to count all, you just need to see this luxury with your own eyes.

Tickets cost €19.5.

Laurentian Library

Rating: 4.9

The Laurentian Library is the oldest library in Florence, a real treasure house that houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, papyrus, manuscripts and other treasures. They were carefully collected over the centuries by the Medici family. This is more than 150,000 copies of historically important writings. The Laurentian Library is based on a collection preserved in Cosimo de’ Medici’s home collection since 1444. Cosimo’s grandson Lorenzo I enlarged the collection and the library, designed by Michelangelo himself, was named after him. Construction began in 1524, and every detail has been designed by the great sculptor. The construction lasted almost 30 years, and other famous architects also took part. The Laurentian library was inaugurated in the mid-16th century.

Not only the richest collection of valuable exhibits, but also the exterior of the building deserves special attention. It is a magnificent example of late Renaissance style with Mannerist elements. And the interior decoration is made in the characteristic style of the great Michelangelo.

Entrance to the attraction is free.

Davanzati Palace

Rating: 4.8

The Davanzati Palace is another Florence landmark worth visiting to feel the spirit and atmosphere of the true Italian Middle Ages. The building itself was erected in the 14th century, two centuries later it was taken over by the Davanzati dynasty, who had possession of the property for over 300 years.

The last member of the noble family died in 1838, after which the palace acquired the E. Volpi – lover of antiques. But this owner could not keep it in his possession and it was resold many times, until finally, in the 1950s, it became state property. The Davanzati Palace has since become a museum.

There’s so much to see in the palace, with its interior and decoration remaining the same as it was over 500 years ago. The wooden ceilings, magnificent fireplaces, terracotta floors, paintings and tapestries on the walls, carved furniture, crockery and linen are of great historical interest for lovers of antiquity. Visiting the Davanzati Palace tourists can learn how the nobility lived in the 14th-17th centuries, what they wore, what they ate and with what. In addition, the museum has an exhibition of ceramics and ancient lace.

The entrance fee for adults 18 years and older is 6 euros.

Medici Riccardi Palace

Rating: 4.7

The Riccardi palace is a palace complex that was built over a 20 year period, starting in 1444. It was not only the ancestral castle of the dynasty that ruled Florence, but also a magnificent, luxurious Renaissance mansion. Remarkably, some of the rooms of the complex have survived to this day in virtually pristine, unaltered condition.

The main attraction of the palace is the modest and small family chapel, where the dignitaries prayed. The Chapel of the Magi was painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, the most talented artist of his time. The paintings are in the form of many frescoes. But the artwork is painted in such a way that it looks unified, the story that is depicted on the walls of the chapel seems to unfold and develop as your gaze glides over the paintings.

The prefix Riccardi in the name of the palace is not accidental. In 1959, members of the dynasty of rulers were forced to sell their family estate to the Riccardi family. But the Florentines still view this sumptuous castle as a historical legacy left to them by the Medici dynasty.

The cost to visit the attraction ranges from 4 to 7 euros.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge and Vasari Corridor

Rating: 4.6

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Ponte Vecchio bridge during the Middle Ages was not very impressive, because a walk along it was invariably accompanied by unpleasant smells coming from the river and sidewalk, where butchers’ shops were sheltered. Today the old crossing is almost the most pretentious landmark of the Tuscan capital. The many-storey butchers’ shops hanging over the water have been replaced by jewelers’ stores, which is why the locals call it the golden bridge.

During the reign of Cosimo I, the Vasari Corridor was built over the bridge buildings to take the nobility from the Palazzo Vecchio to Pitti. Now it is one of the richest art galleries in the world, which keeps more than 700 masterpieces of art of masters of the 16th and 17th centuries. You can only visit the corridor on a guided tour (around €100).

On the bridge of Ponte Vecchio itself it is crowded, the passage and the review of the crossing, the neighborhood impede vendors. So you can admire the monumental building from afar – from the waterfront or from Piazza Michelangelo.

Florence’s squares, markets and gardens

Strolling through the squares and markets of Tuscany’s capital city, you feel an incredible connection between the past and the present. Where 200 or 300 years ago there were market stalls, there are now restaurants and cafes and where the hustle and bustle was at the time of Cosimo de Medici, there are now companies and groups of locals and visitors. Little changes in this “eternal” city, be part of it, leave your footprints on the paving stones of the square or on the gravel of the garden path.

Boboli Gardens

Rating: 5.0

The Boboli Gardens, which are located in the immediate vicinity of the Medici family residence, are a veritable museum of garden sculptures. The park is very picturesque and beautiful. On the central axial walkway there is the fountain “Neptune”. Walking around the garden, you can admire the terraces and fountains, enter intimate grottoes and relax in the pavilions. By the way, the picturesque Boboli Gardens were a favorite stroll place of the great writer F. F. Gogol. Dostoevsky, when he and his wife visited Florence.

But the main attraction of the gardens is the collection of sculptures, which date back to ancient times and up to the 17th century. All the royal parks in Europe, including the famous Versailles, were modeled on the Boboli Gardens.

The Boboli Gardens have been used since ancient times for a variety of festive and ceremonial events – receptions, plays and performances. The amphitheatre where the first opera productions in the world were staged. The attraction of the amphitheater was an obelisk brought from Egypt. Nowadays, visitors can also see theatrical or musical productions and periodic exhibitions and expositions.

San Lorenzo Market

Rating: 4.9

The Mercato di San Lorenzo is the central market of the Tuscan capital, the so-called “Belly of Florence”. It is considered one of the oldest, as it was opened in 1874. Visitors and tourists can buy here not only Florentine products and souvenirs, but also food. The stalls are always filled with fresh dairy and meat, fish products, seasonal fruits and vegetables, pickles made according to local recipes and hot baked goods.

And those who do not want to waste time cooking can try the real Tuscan dishes, taste great Tuscan wines in the food court, which was opened relatively recently, but has already managed to become very popular among guests of the city. In the food court, you can even take a cooking class in a gastronomic school.

On the territory of the market is the old Da Nerbone Café, which even predates the market pavilions, having been open since 1872. Visitors have the opportunity to taste authentic homemade Florentine food in an unforgettable cozy atmosphere. The specialty of the cafe is a cow’s stomach sandwich with a choice of sauces. Prices for food start at 4-5 euros, and for wine at 2 euros.

Mercato di San Lorenzo market is a great place for gastronomy lovers.

Piazza Michelangelo

Rating: 4.8

Under the Florentine sky, the Piazzale Michelangelo is nestled between the Boboli and Bardini gardens. The first thing that catches the eye of visitors to the piazza is the statue of Michelangelo’s David, cast in bronze. Sure, it’s not the original, but you can still see all the details of this genius creation. At the foot of the sculpture are sculptures, allegories of the seasons.

Piazza Michelangelo’s main attraction is the view from it. Florence at your fingertips-all the bridges, churches, and basilicas. You can admire the view endlessly. The reflections of the sunlight on the Giotto’s bell tower are particularly beautiful, and even more impressive is the scale of the Duomo’s dome. If you missed some of Florence’s grandest architectural landmarks, be sure to visit Piazzale Michelangelo to catch up and see the sights, if only from afar.

But locals don’t rush out of the piazza until sundown. After all, when darkness falls, an unimaginable spectacle arises. All the lights and fixtures of the Tuscan capital literally dazzle you with their splendor and solemnity. In the evening Piazzale Michelangelo has a particularly friendly and convivial atmosphere as musicians and tourists from all over the world flock to the area.

A visit to the attraction is free of charge.

Where to go with children in Florence

Visitors often visit Florence with children and teens. But where to take the younger generation that would not be boring, but at the same time informative and useful? Our experts have chosen four interesting places for you to go as a family.

Pinocchio Shop

Rating: 5.0

Bartolucci, a family-owned company, has long been making toys, useful little things, and other products out of natural wood covered in bright colors (all materials are completely safe for children). In every major Italian city there are a few stores of this company, in Florence there are three of them. Bartolucci’s most prized possession, by which the company is known the world over, is the Pinocchio toy. The long-nosed hero of Carlo Collodi’s fairy tale is known as Pinocchio.

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If you walk into a Bartolucci store, at the entrance you will see Pinocchio inviting you to take selfies with him. Inside, a fairytale world of wooden crafts opens up in front of you. This is not only numerous long-nosed Pinocchio’s of all sizes, but also stroller clocks, shelves, magnets, products for schoolchildren and much more. In the store on Via della Condotta, 12, the wooden car and motorcycle are of particular interest to visitors. They are carefully and lovingly made almost life-size.

The Bartolucci stores are a great place to buy a variety of souvenirs as a memento of your visit to Florence.

The cost of products – from 3 to 100 euros.

Boys Museum

Rating: 4.9

Museo dei Ragazzi or Mus.e, or simply “The Boys’ Museum,” a place worth visiting not only for boys, but also for girls and their adult attendants. The museum is part of a non-profit cultural association, and is located in the Palazzo Vecchio.

The museum is very interesting, tourists of all ages and genders can immerse themselves in the history of the capital of Tuscany, and in the traditions of art there. And all this happens in an incredibly entertaining way. Visitors can explore the secret corridors of the Palazzo Vecchio, follow the path taken by the heroes of Dan Brown’s Inferno. Get to meet the infamous Cosimo I de’ Medici and Giorgio Vasari, dress up in court costumes, and even be introduced to the Queen. Tourists can also try their hand at al fresco painting.

The museum regularly organizes a variety of interesting events for the little ones. For example, visitors can spend the night in a tent city on the grounds of the palace. And take part in fascinating nighttime quests, listen to informative and entertaining lectures, visit open-air festivals, etc.d.

To find out the costs of admission to the attractions and participating in the activities, please contact the Mus.e.

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Rating: 4.8

Perhaps there is no one who has not heard of the brilliant inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Coming to Florence, tourists get a great chance to visit a unique themed attraction, to visit the museum named after this artist and sculptor, engineer and creator, who became famous throughout the world during his lifetime.

In the main hall of the Da Vinci Museum 40 machines are on display, recreated by enthusiasts from the maestro’s diaries. There are screens with video clips next to the exhibits, showing exactly how the mechanisms should work. These are machines that are centuries ahead of their time. Multibarrel artillery gun, bicycle, car, tank, submarine, helicopter, ornithopter, parachute – these are just a few of the genius inventions to look at in the halls of the museum.

The Anatomy Room features a reproduction of Vitruvian Man and other drawings by Da Vinci. In the Hall of Mirrors there are copies of the artist’s famous paintings – Gioconda and St. Jerome. In the “Da Vinci Laboratory” visitors of all ages can explore the drawings that haven’t been deciphered, experiment with the laws of physics, and generally have a fun, healthy and interesting time.

Tickets for visitors over 6 years – from 4 to 7 euros.

Porcellino Porcellino

Rating: 4.7

The charming bronze Porcellino boar is a true symbol of the capital of Tuscany. If the local legends are to be believed, it fulfills the wishes of all who rub its corner. The main wish of absolutely all tourists and guests of Florence is to come back here at least once more. Judging by how polished the boar’s snout is, it has a good reputation and is popular.

The idea for the sculpture came to the ruler of Florence Cosima de’ Medici in the early 17th century. Cosima wanted the marble sculpture of the boar given by the pope to his father to be cast and immortalized in bronze. The sculptor was Pietro Tacca. The “model”, that is, the real boar, was personally delivered by the ruler to the sculptor’s workshop from the nearby forest.

Duke Cosima de’ Medici died before his idea could be realized. His successor slightly modified the project, ordering to make a Porcelino fountain with bronze plants and animals. A stream of water pours from the boar’s mouth – that’s the whole fountain. For a wish to come true it is necessary not only to rub the boar’s snout, but also to try to put a coin on his tongue and push it inside, which not everyone can do.

The sight is free to visit, it is better to do it before 9 am or after 9 pm, when there are no crowds of traders and tourists in the square.

Florence’s famous cemeteries

Florence cemeteries are picturesque panoramas, harmonious immersion into the history of the capital of Tuscany and its inhabitants, a view of the world through the prism of life and death, philosophy and quiet contemplation. You will have thoughts about eternal life, you will have a pleasant understanding of life, beating as the key of just a few minutes walk from the necropolis. Minimum of tourists, maximum peace and contemplation.

Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

Rating: 5.0

The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte was built in honor of Minas, a sinner known throughout Florence who converted to Christianity and was executed for it by order of the Emperor. Minas was the first holy martyr in the city’s history; his remains lie in the crypt of the basilica, in an 11th-century altar. It is the shrine of the temple. But it’s famous not only for the highly revered holy “guest”, but also for its magnificent architecture. The basilica has remained in a primordial state since 1018, it was not reconstructed during the Renaissance. Only the bell tower in 1535 and the marble staircase in 1975 were finished.

The authentic facade of the temple, which has three tiers, is Romanesque, decorated with five half arches. The interior decoration of the basilica is very rich; you can admire the mosaic made of light marble, the painted ceiling, a few, but very beautiful frescoes by old Italian masters.

In close proximity to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte there is a 15th century monastery and a cemetery where the remains of famous Italians are buried.

The attraction is open to all comers.

Porte Sante Cemetery

Rating: 4.9

The Cemetery of the Holy Gates is located in the fortified bastion of the monastery near the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. The idea of the necropolis within the walls of the cloister belongs to Niccolò Matas, who built the facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce. He was the architect of the cemetery.

The main attractions of Porte Sante are the tombs of famous Florentines and more specifically their tombstones, crypts and tombs in neo-Gothic style. The cemetery is the final resting place of Franco Zeffirelli, Carlo Collodi, Bruno Benedetto, Rossi Vasco Pratolini, Tommaso Salvini and others. Famous filmmakers, writers, actors, astrophysicists, scientists, political and social activists. And numerous sculptors, singers, publishers, historians, pianists, even revolutionaries and fashion designers.

Wander in silence through the Holy Gate Cemetery for hours. The tombstones are very picturesque, they inspire admiration, thanks to the high artistic level of the work, but they also bring sadness. The tall cypress trees, birdsong, the sound of the bell, beating the time, create an indescribable atmosphere of serenity. A number of interesting sculptures and monuments installed over several hundred years turn your walk into an educational and philosophical tour.

It’s free to see the landmark.

English Cemetery

Rating: 4.8

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