Florence My 3 Days in Florence Packed Itinerary

Florence
My 3 Days in Florence - Packed Itinerary (1)
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Day 1, Wednesday, October 16 2019
09:00 Galleria dell'Accademia
A museum best know for its Michelangelo sculptures
including David
10:35 Florence Cathedral

The green and pink marble covered cathedral is topped by
Brunelleschi's dome
11:35 Battistero
A 12th century octagonal Romanesque-style baptistery
12:35 Campanile di Giotto

A 14th century Gothic bell tower clad in red, green and white
marble
13:45 Gallerie degli Uffizi

One of the oldest and best museums in the world in a
magnificent building
15:50 Break
16:50 Palazzo Vecchio

Fortress-like town hall with impressive statues and tower on
Piazza della Signoria
18:20 Loggia dei Lanzi

An gallery open on three sides located on Piazza della
Signoria
18:50 Piazza della Signoria

City square surrounded by Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei
Lanzi and other historic buildings
19:20 Mercato Nuovo

16th century gallery with open sides displaying statues and
lucky bronze pig
09:00 Galleria dell'Accademia / Accademia
Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins
The Accademia di Belle Arti art school was opened in 1784 within the buildings of the Convent of San Niccolo
di Cafaggio and the Hospital of San Matteo. The Galleria dell'Academia was established together with the
school to exhibit the creations from the adjacent school. The museum's collection was expanded with
paintings from various churches and eventually the museum became more than just a showcase for the
Accademia di Belle Arti.
The museum's most prized possession is Michelangelo's David which joined the collection in 1873 and now
stands in the Tribune which was created by Emilio De Fabris especially to house the sculpture. The museum
collection includes other pieces by Michelangelo like the sculptures of Saint Matthew and the Four Slaves
which came from the Grotta del Buontalenti in the Boboli Gardens. On display are also plaster models by
Lorenzo Bartolini and 13 th and 14 th century gold ground panel paintings. Other highlights include Botticelli's Image By: jay8085
Madonna and Child and Madonna of the Sea . Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/89649959@N00/
The entrance to the museum is through the Hall of the Colossus where you can see Giambologna's plaster
Address: Via Bettino Ricasoli, 60, 50122
model of Rape of the Sabine Women . The walls of the hall are lined with panel paintings by Perugino,
Florence, Italy
Pontormo, Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi and Bronzino. In the Hall of Prisoners you can see Michelangelo's Four Phone Number: 055-238-8609, 055-238-8612.
Slaves . On the lower level of the museum is an exhibition of Florentine Gothic paintings including an altar Reserve tickets at 055-294-883
piece by Giotto. Within the museum is a Museum of Instruments which holds an extensive collection of 40 Admission: €12
historic musical instruments from the neighboring Luigi Cherubini Conservatory. Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm
Web:
www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/accademia
Other: Reserve tickets at tel. 055-294-883 or
www.firenzemusei.it
Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 17, 25, 31,
32, 33, 67, 68, or 70
10:35 Florence Cathedral / Duomo
Visit Duration: 1 hour
0.5 KM, 7 minutes walking from Galleria dell'Accademia
The Florence Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the Roman Catholic mother church of the city. It
was named for the lily (fiore), the city's symbol. The church was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction
commenced in 1296, over time a number of architects took on the project including Francesco Talenti and
Orcagna. In 1436 the building was completed with the help of Filippo Brunelleschi's engineering of the huge
dome which is a symbol of the city. The cathedral is part of a UNESCO complex of buildings together with the
Baptistery and campanile on Piazza del Duomo.
The construction of the cathedral was inspired by grand cathedrals being built in other major Italian cities and
was founded on the site of a previous church, Santa Reparata. You can see what remains of the original
church in the crypt of the Duomo.
The original façade was destroyed in 1587 and only in 1864 did Emilio De Fabis create the Gothic Revival Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
replacement. Large bronze doors by Augusto Passaglia were added between 1899 and 1903. The building's Phone Number: 055-230-2885
exterior is covered with marble panels of various shapes and sizes in shades of green, white and pink. The Admission:
dome has a unique octagonal design and was built without a supporting wooden frame, which was unheard of Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat
at the time. Horizontal tone and iron chains were used to reinforce the dome which is the world's largest 10am-4:45pm, Sun 1:30pm-4:45pm
masonry dome. To commemorate the great undertaking of Brunelleschi a statue of the architect now sits in Web: www.operaduomo.firenze.it
the adjacent square looking up at his creation. Along with Brunelleschi stands a statue of Cambio also
or 71
admiring his work.
Within the church there are impressive stained glass windows, some by Ghiberti. The floor is a marvelous
marble mosaic paving created from 1526 to 1660. Other features in the cavernous church include the 1443
clock by Paolo Uccello and the stunning fresco by Giorgio Vasari which covers the entire interior of the dome.
The dome fresco depicts the Last Judgment and was painted in 1579.
11:35 Battistero / Baptistery
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Florence Cathedral
The Baptistery of Saint John or the Baptistery di San Giovanni is one of Florence' oldest and most important
religious buildings, it is dedicated to the city's patron, John the Baptist. The present building was constructed
on the site of a former 1 st century Roman edifice. None of the original Roman building remains but the
present Baptistery dates back to the 11 th and 14 th centuries. The building was consecrated in 1059 and in
those days needed to be large enough to accommodate the crowds that attended the biannual baptism
ceremony.
The Tuscan Romanesque style octagonal exterior is covered in white and green Prato marble and has
elegant arches between polygonal columns on the upper level and semi-pilaster columns on the lower level.
The exterior is topped with a 12 th century roof and lantern. The Baptistery opens onto the Piazza di San Image By: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leandrociuffo/
Giovanni and the Piazza del Duomo. Lorenzo Ghiberti created the north and east facing doors and Andrea
Pisano was responsible for the south facing door (1330). The eastern door, the Gates of Paradise, is the best
known of the Baptistery doors, the originals are now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo but exact Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
replicas now stand in their place. The door has ten panels depicting scenes from the Bible. Above the door is Phone Number: 055-230-2885
a sculpture, The Baptism of Christ, which was created by Andrea Sansovino. Admission: €4-€15
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 8:15am-10:15am,
The interior walls are covered with dazzling gold and from the ground Sardinian granite columns rise up 11:15am-7:30pm ; Sat 8:15am-6:30pm ; Sun
around the periphery and are topped with gilded capitals. The floor has a marble geometric pattern (1209); 8:15am-1:30pm
there is a rectangular apse with mosaics dating back to 1225 created by Franciscan Jacopo di Torrita and the Web: www.operaduomo.firenze.it
ceiling is covered with predominantly gold mosaics which cover the entire space including the interior of the
or 71
dome. Several tombs belonging to important people are kept in the Baptistery including that of Antipope John
XXIII designed by Donatello and Michelozzo.
12:35 Campanile di Giotto / Giotto's Bell Tower
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Battistero
Campanile means "tower" and this Florence tower was built as a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral on
Piazza del Duomo and is part of a complex of buildings. The tower was created by Giotto between 1334 and
1337 when he died and Andrea Pisano took over the task until 1348. Francesco Talenti completed the tower
from 1350 to 1359.
The exterior is covered in a geometrical pattern of Carrara green marble, white marble and red marble from
Siena. It features seven hexagonal marble tiles with sculptured reliefs on each side of the bottom half of the
tower. The tiles on the side facing the cathedral were a later addition by Luca della Robbia. On the second
level of the tower there is another series of tiles, this time in a diamond shape and with a blue Majolica
background by Andrea Pisano, Maso di Banco and their assistants. The fourth level is adorned with life-size
sculptures by Donatello in niches on all sides of the tower. The top three levels were completed by Talenti,
and feature large windows. The sculptures and relief tiles on the tower today are replicas and the originals Address: Piazza Duomo, Florence, Italy
can be seen in the Opera del Duomo Museum for Conservation. Phone Number: 055-230-2885
Admission: €6-€15
The tower is 84.7 meters high and visitors can climb 414 steps to a terrace at the top of the tower to get Opening Hours: Daily 8:15am-7pm
brilliant views across the city. The tower is divided into different levels and on each level one of the tower's Web: www.operaduomo.firenze.it
seven bells is housed. Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 17, 14, 22, 23, 36, 37,
or 71
13:45 Gallerie degli Uffizi / Uffizi
Visit Duration: 2 hours
0.6 KM, 7 minutes walking from Campanile di Giotto
At this world famous art gallery you can see works by some of the top names in art history. The museum is one of the oldest in
the world and has attracted visitors from around the world since it was officially opened to the public in 1765. As far back as the
"Grand Tour" era wealthy upper class Europeans would tour Europe visiting the best that the continent had to offer in terms of
culture and art. The majority of the Uffizi collection is from the period between the 12 th and 17 th century although there are
works outside of this period. Records show that even da Vinci and Michelangelo visited the Uffizi to see the precious art
collection.
Although the museum possesses about 3,100 works of art there are usually about 1,700 on display at any given time. Among
the famous artists whose work is on display here are Giotto Masaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Veronese, Sandro
Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, Paolo Uccello and Caravaggio. The museum is so vast that it
can take at least 3 hours to see, but there are some must-see works not to miss. See Gentile da Fabriano's Adoration of the
Magi; Battle of San Romano by Uccello; Madonna and Child with Saint Anne by Masolino; Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child
with Angels ; the works by Botticelli on display in the Botticelli Room; da Vinci's Annunciation ; Michelangelo's Doni Tondo ; Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence,
works by Raphael; Titian's Venus of Urbino ; Parmigiani's Madonna of the Long Neck and the list of excellent art goes on… Italy
Phone Number: 055-238-8651, 055-294-883 to
One of the most famous rooms in the museum is the octagonal shaped Tribuna of the Uffizi, designed by Bernardo Buintaleti.
reserve tickets
Here the most precious pieces in the Medici collection are put on display.
Admission: €12-€20 depending on the season
In 1560 Cosimo I commissioned Giorgio Vasari to construct the building that now houses the museum as offices for the Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm
Florentine magistrates. Alfonso Parigi and Bernardo Buontalenti took over the task of creating the offices which were completed Web: www.uffizi.firenze.it
in 1581. Later Cosimo I was also responsible for starting the museum collection as he strived to assemble a collection that Other: www.firenzemusei.it (to reserve tickets)
represented the best of Tuscany art. The building has a long, narrow central courtyard which looks onto the Arno River at one Transportation: Bus - A, B, 23, or 71
end through a Doric screen. The cortile or inner courtyard is lined by identical facades with niches and columns along the length
of the courtyard. In the niches are sculptures by famous artists.
Plan ahead as this is one of the top attractions in the country and the lines to get in are as famous as the masterpieces inside!
15:50 Break
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Gallerie degli Uffizi
16:50 Palazzo Vecchio
With the rising success of the guilds of Florence, in 1293 the Priors and people of the city decided to
commission the construction of a grand building which would be an impressive seat of the Signoria. The
building was initially called the Palazzo dei Priori then the Palazzo della Signoria, Palazzo del Popolo and the
Palazzo Ducale. Arnolfo Cambio was responsible for the core of the building which was erected between
1299 and 1304.
The Romanesque fort-like palace has an open gallery at the top of the building and the thin Arnolfo tower
which rises 94 meters. The belfry design mirrors the gallery of the palace. The palace is built of rusticated
stonework and has two rows of Gothic windows, bas-reliefs and the coats of arms of the Florentine Republic
painted on the building. Subsequently the palace was expanded and renovated first by Vasari in the 16 th
century and later by Buontalenti in the 17 th century. The palace served as the seat of the local authorities Image By: sailko
Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sailko
before being taken over by the Medici family. Later the building returned to being office space for the
government rulers, Chamber of Deputies and then the Foreign Ministry. Today the former palace operates as
the Florence Town Hall. Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence
Phone Number: 055-276-8465
Above the main entrance is a marble decoration in bright blue guarded on both sides by lions. In front of the Admission: €14 - €18
building stands a replica of Michelangelo's David together with Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus . The building Opening Hours: Oct-Mar, Fri-Wed 9am-7pm,
has three grand courtyards with exquisite frescoes. A stunning fresco covered hall, Salone dei Cinquecento, Thursday until 2pm. April-Sept, Fri-Wed
built by Simone del Pollaiolo with statues by Bandinelli and the center piece is Michelangelo's The Genius of 9am-11pm, Thursday until 2pm.
Victory . If you follow the staircase designed by Vasari up to the 2 nd
floor you'll find the Chapel of Signoria; Transportation: Bus - A, B, 23, or 71
the Hall of Justice; the Room of the Lilies decorated with gold lilies; Study Room and the Apartments of the
Elements. Among the many masterpieces, frescoes and brilliant architecture is Angolo Bronzino's painting
Ritratto di Laura Battiferri.
18:20 Loggia dei Lanzi
Visit Duration: 30 mins
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Palazzo Vecchio
Loggia dei Lanzi is more commonly known as Loggia della Signoria as it is on the corner of Piazza della
Signoria. The definition of a loggia is a roofed or vaulted structure open on one side and free-standing or
attached to the side of a building like a kind of covered corridor open on one side. The Loggia dei Lanzi has
three high, grand arches supported by a cluster of pilasters (false columns) which form a column; each is
topped with a Corinthian capital. This loggia was the prototype for many architectural structures to come.
Michelangelo liked it so much that he suggested that the pattern be repeated around the entire square. The
loggia was intended as a public meeting place but today functions as an open-air museum.
The loggia was completed in 1382 and designed by Simone di Francesco Talenti and Benci di Cione Dame.
The style is Gothic and the structure was named after Cosimo I de'Medici, Duke of Florence's personal Image By: sailko
guards who were known as Lanzi, these guards used to be stationed at the Loggia.
Statues were first displayed in the loggia following the down fall of the Medici family in 1494 after 150 years of
Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence,
rule. Art work was brought from the palatial homes of the Medici to be put on public display. Within the loggia Italy
are several precious works of art. Here you can see Donatello's Judith and Holofernes ; Cellini's bronze Phone Number: +39 055 23885
Perseus beheading Medusa ; the Abduction of the Sabine Virgins and Hercules Slaying the Centaur Nessus
by Giambologna; Menelaus Supporting the Body of Patroclus; The Abduction of Polyxena and the Sabines , a
series of female figures. There are two lions guarding the entrance to the Loggia, one dates back to ancient
Roman civilization and the other was created in 1598 by Vacchi.
18:50 Piazza della Signoria
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Loggia dei Lanzi
This is one of Florence's most popular squares, the historic L-shaped square got its name from the Palazzo
Vecchi which is also called the Palazzo della Signoria and is just one of the important buildings lining the
square.
Throughout history the square has been a hub of political activity because of the buildings which surround the
square and the role they played in civil service. The Palazzo Vecchi was the seat of United Italy's government
and today houses the Town Hall, mayor's office and town council. The Uffizi Gallery which now houses a
prestigious museum once was used for administrative offices, the Tribunal and the state archive. The Palace
of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (1359) now houses the Bureau of Agriculture and once was used as a venue
for merchant trials. The Palace of the Assicurazioni Generali (1871) was specifically built for commercial Image By: Samuli Lintula
Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Samulili
purposes to house the General Insurance Company. The Loggia della Signoria (also called the Loggia dei
Lanzi) is a corner building with high open archways that was used for public assemblies and ceremonies.
Today it is used as an open-air gallery of Renaissance art and antiquities including the statues of Medici Address: Piazza della Signoria, Florence
Lions by Fancelli and Vacca. The Palazzo Uguccioni (1550) has a façade which has been attributed to
various well known Renaissance artists including Raphael and Michelangelo. Other palaces on the square
are the Palazzo dei Mercatanti and the Palazzo dei Buonaguisi.
At the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio stands a copy of Michelangelo's David in the same spot where the
genuine statue stood for 69 years after its completion in 1504. Next to David is Baccio Bandinelli's sculpture
of Hercules and Cacus . There is a bronze equestrian statue of Cosimo I and The Rape of the Sabine Women
by Giambologna; a copy of Donatello's Judith and Holofernes and Cellini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa
. The Fountain of Neptune (1565) is a fountain in the square designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
It was in the Piazza della Signoria that in 1497 the Dominican priest Savonarola instigated the Bonefire of the
Vanities, a protest where a pile of gaming tables, books, dresses, cosmetics, art, poems and other sinful
items were burnt. Unfortunately he was also burnt at the stake in the square in 1498.
Visitors to the square can dine in cafes and restaurants including the well known Café Rivoire on the ground
floor of the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali.
19:20 Mercato Nuovo
0.1 KM, 1 minutes walking from Piazza della Signoria
The Mercato Nuovo or Straw Market is located in the historic center of Florence; it is a covered market which
has been open for business as far back as the 11 th century. The market gets its name from one of the
traditional products sold in the market, straw. The "new" market place replaced the old market, Mercato
Vecchio where vendors would set up their stalls and sell a wide range of products as they still do today.
The market stalls are protected by a loggia (a corridor which is open on one side) with high arched openings
leading onto a rectangular hall. The loggia del Porcellino we see today was constructed in the 1551. In each
corner of the loggia are two niches which were meant to be filled with statues but only 3 were made at the
time. The statues are of famous residents of Florence: banker Michele di Lando, printer Giovanni Villani and
wool carder and later revolutionary, Bernardo Cennini.
The most famous attraction in the market is the Fontana del Porcellino which features a bronze statue of a Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123
wild boar. The piece is a replica of the original which stands in Palazzo Pitti and was created by Pietro Tacca. Florence, Italy
There is a tradition that if you rub the beast's nose you will have good luck. Visitors come to rub the pig's Phone Number: +39 055 290832
shinny snout and then put a coin in his mouth, if the coin rolls all the way through the grate where the water
flows then your wish will be granted. The statue has gained the market another name Mercato del Porcellino
or the piglet market.
On the ground beneath the covered area of the Loggia is a circular shape, like a wheel with six spokes. The
pattern represents one of the wheels on a Carroccio (a portable altar used by the Florentine Republic in
medieval battles) as this was the spot where the Carroccio would have been placed, troops would gather in
prayer and the republic's flag hoisted. Later during the Renaissance the spot was used to shame those in
debt by chaining them to a post in this public area and beating their naked buttocks with a chain three times.
Each time the insolvent merchant would have to fall down on the ground on his naked backside. The symbol
is created with two colors of marble. This odd design is called the pietra dello scandalo or the "stone of the
shame."
Day 2, Thursday, October 17 2019
09:30 Museo Galileo
See antique scientific instruments housed in the Palazzo
Castellani
11:05 Ponte Vecchio

The city's oldest stone arch bridge with stores along the top
11:40 Santo Spirito

15th century church famed for art work by Botticini, Lippi,
Rosselli and others
12:10 Palazzo Pitti

Former home of Grand-Dukes of Tuscany houses art,
porcelain and costume galleries
13:40 Giardino Boboli

The Gardens behind Pitti Palace hold sculptures from the
16th-18th century
14:50 Giardino Bardini
16:05 Break
17:20 San Miniato al Monte

Romanesque church with beautiful mosaics and Cardinal of
Portugal Chapel
18:30 Piazzale Michelangiolo

A city square with panoramic views overlooking the city
09:30 Museo Galileo
The Galileo Museum which used to be called the Institute and Museum of the History of Science, was
founded in 1927. The majority of the museum exhibits date back to between the 15 th and 19 th century and
were pivotal in the advancements made in science during those years. Historic scientific instruments including
large globes, stethoscopes, compass, telescopes and scientific measuring equipment are on display.
Over 1,000 items are in the collection which takes up 2 floors in the Palazzo Castellari on Piazza dei Giudici.
Pride of place is given to instruments designed by Galileo including the original telescopes Galileo used to
see Jupiter's moons for the first time. The museum holds the middle finger of the right hand of Galileo Galilei.
The finger was removed from Galileo's body in 1737 when his remains were exhumed and reburied at
another location. Galileo is the focus and spirit of the museum.
The collections are presented in their historical and cultural context to add to the understanding of when the
instruments were used and by which scientists. There are more than 1,000 artifacts to view related to the Address: Piazza dè Giudici, 1, 50122 Florence
scientific culture in Tuscany hundreds of years ago. Phone Number: 055-265-311
Admission: Adult €9, Child €5.50
Opening Hours: 9:30am-6pm, Tue 9:30am-1pm
Web: www.museogalileo.it
Transportation: Bus - 23 Closed: Closed January
1 and 6, Easter, May 1, June 24, August 15,
November 1, December 8, 25 and 26
11:05 Ponte Vecchio / Old Bridge
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Museo Galileo
The Old Bridge is one of the most striking of Florence's six bridges; it is thought to date back as far as the
Romans who constructed stone pillars and wooden planks on this spot where the Via Cassia crossed the
river. Until 1218 it was the only bridge that crossed the Arno River. The Roman construction collapsed from
flood damage in 1117 and again in 1333, 12 years later it was rebuilt. The bridge has three graceful arches
supporting the covered crossing which was topped with stores and houses under the porticos.
The bridge was built again in 1565 during the reign of the Medici family when they wanted a route which
would connect them directly between Uffizi and the Palazzo Pitti on the other side of the River, without even
stepping foot outside. The covered "corridor" across the bridge was constructed on top of the bridge stores. It
made their crossing as easy as going from one room in a house to another. This saved time crossing the Image By: Mfiskum
Image Source:
river, protected them from the weather and meant that they wouldn't have to encounter any pesky http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mfiskum
commoners. Corridoio Vasariano, designed by Vasari, was literally a corridor which ran above goldsmith's
stores crossing the river. Traders had set up shop along the covered bridge as far back as the 13 th century.
Address: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Today on the bridge you can see a bust of one of the 16 th century goldsmiths, Benvenuto Cellini. In the
Transportation: Bus - B or D
middle of the bridge there is a break in the line of stores and there are two observation terraces overlooking
the river.
The bridge survived World War II when the German's destroyed all of the city's bridges except this one. There
is a modern tradition for lovers to lock a padlock onto the bridge and throw the key into the water, to
symbolize their eternal love. This tradition is called "love locks" and is practiced in several countries on
famous bridges.
11:40 Santo Spirito
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from Ponte Vecchio
This Renaissance-style church was established in 1250 but only took on its present form in the 15th century
when it was redesigned by Brunelleschi and completed according to his plans after his death. The church's
façade is just rough plaster as it was never completed. There is a bell tower designed by Baccio d'Agnolo
(1503). The church has a Latin cross floor plan with aisles lined by a colonnade of arches supported by
Corinthian columns. This creates an internal portico.
The shape of the arches is echoed in the 40 semi-circular chapels. The wooden carved crucifix on the altar
may have been made by a young Michelangelo and is displayed in the lace it was originally intended for. In
the church chapels are Filippino Lippi's Madonna and Child with Saints; Madonna and Child with Angels and
Saints by Raffaellino del Garbo; Botticini's St. Monica Establishing the Rule of the Augustinian Nuns; Cosimo
Rosselli's Madonna and Child with Saints; Madonna with Saint by Lorenzo di Credi; Madonna and Child with
Four Saints by Maso di Banco and an altar created by Andrea Sansovino. Address: 50125 Florence
Attached to the church is a convent with two Cloisters where there are more impressive frescoes, walls Admission: Free
decorated with tombstones, reliefs by Donatello and sculptures by Tino da Camaino. There is also a refectory Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-12pm,
where you can see Nardo di Cione's Last Supper. 3:45pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-12pm, 3:45pm-5pm
Transportation: Bus - D, 6, 11, 36, 37, or 68
12:10 Palazzo Pitti / Pitti Palace
0.2 KM, 2 minutes walking from Santo Spirito
This palace was home to the rulers of Florence up until 1919 when the property became part of the state. The
palace is situated in Oltrarno which lies across the River Arno from the rest of the historic center. Luca Pitti
wanted to build a luxurious and opulent palace which would rival the Medici family's stately homes. Filippo
Brunelleschi was commissioned to design the palace and on his death , 12 years before the project's
completion, Luca Fancelli took over the task. The palace was completed in 1465. The Medici's came into
possession of the palace in 1549 when Pitti had no choice but to sell the property due to his financial
difficulties. The Medici family had a corridor constructed connecting the Uffizi with the Palazzo Vecchio so
that they could cross the river easily without going outside. Ammanati was employed to expand the palace
further and he spent 12 years, up until 1570, working on features like the beautiful inner courtyard.
Image By: Jean-Christophe BENOIST
Image Source:
Highlights of the palace architecture include the Artichoke Fountain by Giovanni Francesco Susini. It was http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilisateur:Jean-Christophe_BENOIST
under the Medici family that the palace gardens, the Boboli Garden were planted. Following the Medici family
came the House of Lorraine in 1737, the palace was expanded again and the interiors were renovated. Other
owners included the Savoy, Bourbons, Napoleon and finally Vittorio Emanuele III. It was Emmanuele III who Address: Palazzo Pitti, 1, Florence, Italy
opened the palace to the general public. Phone Number: Galleria Palatina 055-238-8614,
Reserve tickets 055-294-883
The vast palace holds several museums and visitors can also see the royal apartments. The museums Admission: €8.50
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm
include the Galleria Palatina with Renaissance and Baroque paintings; the Galleria del Costume; the Museo
Web: www.firenzemusei.it
delle Carozze (a collection of royal carriages) and the Galleria d'Arte Moderne. There is also a Porcelain
Transportation: Bus - D, 11, 36, 37, or 68
Museum and Silver Museum. One of the prize pieces is Raffaello's Madonna on the Chair and The Veiled
Lady which can be seen in the Palatine Gallery together with works by Tiziano, Caravaggio, Rubens, van
Dyck and Murillo. The Modern Art Museum is best known for its Macchiaoli movement paintings.
13:40 Giardino Boboli / Boboli Gardens
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Palazzo Pitti
This is the garden adjoining the Medici villa, Pitti Palace, which now houses several museums. The garden
was originally commissioned by Cosimo I for his wife Eleonora di Toledo. The villa garden was designed in
1549 by Tribolo (Niccolo Pericoli) who died a year later. His task was taken over by Bartolomeo Ammanati
and Giorgio Vasari. Buontalenti was responsible for the wide courtyard between the palace and the garden.
Since its initial planting the garden has been expanded several times and now covers 45,000m².
Today the garden is a park criss-crossed with wide gravel paths and punctuated with statues and feature
elements. Most of the sculptures date back to the 16 th to 18 th centuries and there are also Roman artifacts
within the park. The Great Grotto was designed by Buontalenti and is home to Giambologna's Venus and
Michelangelo's statue of Four Slaves . The garden has other grottos including the Large Grotto and the Grotto Image By: Francesco Gasparetti
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaspa/
of Madama. The garden has ponds, fountains, nympheums, temples and sculptured hedges. An Egyptian
obelisk stands at the center of the garden amphitheatre; it was brought from Luxor in Egypt and after being
kept in Rome for a while was brought here in 1789. The Fountain of Neptune stands at the end of the path's Address: Piazza Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence
primary axis overlooking the amphitheatre. Stoldo Lorenzi created the sculpture of Neptune which adorns the Phone Number: 055-265-1816
fountain and further along is Giambologna's statue of Abundance . The undulating land was incorporated into Admission: €7
the garden's design, for example the sloping Viottolone, or wide tree-lined avenue. At the end of the avenue Opening Hours: Nov/Feb 8:15am-4:30m,
is another feature of the garden, the Isoletto, a pond (1618), with Giambologna's fountain "Ocean" on a Mar/Oct 8:15am-5:30pm, April/May/Sept
central island. 8:15am-7:30pm, Jun/Aug 8:15am-7:30pm
The Giardino del Cavaliere stands on ramparts designed by Michelangelo in 1529. The Kaffehaus was an 18
th
century addition with a beautiful glazed dome and the garden's Lemon House was created by Zanobi del
Rosso.
14:50 Giardino Bardini
0.6 KM, 8 minutes walking from Giardino Boboli
Address: Costa S. Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia
16:05 Break
17:20 San Miniato al Monte
1.1 KM, 15 minutes walking from Break
Saint Miniato Monte is believed to have been the city's first Christian martyr persecuted in the 3 rd century
and later beheaded. Legend has it that he then took his severed head and went to Monte alle Croci where he
had lived in a cave. The church is said to be constructed around this cave which is located in the church
oratory. The entire church complex including the church itself, the Bishop's Palace, fortifications and cemetery
are located on Monte alle Croci where the saint's cave was. The elevated location above Piazzale
Michelangelo and the city offers great views of the city.
The original church on this site was built in the 300s but the one we see today is a Romanesque-style church
constructed in 1018 alongside the Olivetan Monastery. The church has a beautiful geometric patterned
marble façade, the lower level features 5 arches separated by columns, the upper half has a mosaic of Jesus, Image By: Goldmund100
Image Source:
the Holy Virgin and Saint Miniato . The church's tower is unfinished and damaged from the Siege of Florence http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Goldmund100
in 1530. Within the church there is marble intarsia paving with the signs of the zodiac and animal symbols. On
the walls are historic frescoes and mosaics. In the large crypt are frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi, the crypt is
separated from the church by a wrought iron gate dating back to 1338. The relics of St. Miniato are kept in the Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125
Florence
11 th century altar. Spinello Aretino created the frescoes at the entrance to the Sacristy in 1387 and the
church also has work by Luca della Robbia and Antonio Manetti. Antonio Rossellino is responsible for the
Admission:
Cardinal's funeral monument and Michelozzo designed the Chapel of the Crucifix. The Bishop's Palace is part
Opening Hours: Apr-Nov 8am-7pm, Dec-Mar
of the religious complex and has served as a summer home for bishops, a convent and a hospital. 8am-12pm, 3pm-6pm
Transportation: Bus - 12 or 13
18:30 Piazzale Michelangiolo
0.5 KM, 9 minutes walking from San Miniato al Monte
This Florence square has an observation point from where you can get brilliant views across the city skyline.
The square was built in 1869 and designed by Giuseppe Poggi, it is located on a hill in the Oltrarno District.
The long wide Viali dei Colli Boulevard ends at the square and was part of many changes made to the city
during the renaissance when the city was the country's capital. At the time the square was constructed to
provide a good vantage point from which to look down upon the city's beautiful new buildings. As the name
suggests the Piazzale honors the artist and sculptor Michelangelo and there are several replicas of his work
in Piazzale MIchelangelo. You can see bronze replicas of Michelangelo's marble statue of David as well as
the 4 allegories of the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo.
The observation point on the square is a balustrade terrace and the panoramic views of the city are often Image By: Dann Stayskal
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/danndalf/
seen on post cards of the city. The site was intended as a museum where Michelangelo's work would be
displayed but this goal was never realized. You can reach the hill top square via Viale Michelangelo or by
climbing up the stairs or ramps from Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, also called Poggi Ramps. Address: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Florence,
Italy
Transportation: Bus - 12 or 13
Day 3, Friday, October 18 2019
10:00 Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
Renaissance palace designed by Bartolomeo for Cosimo de'
Medici
10:30 Cappelle Medicee

Chapels designed by Michelangelo, extensions of the
Basilica San Lorenzo
11:15 San Lorenzo

The largest and one of the oldest churches in the city
12:15 Biblioteca Medicea

Laurenziana
13:20 Central Market

Central market in Florence that is a 19th century landmark.
14:45 Piazza della Repubblica

Once the ancient Forum then a ghetto, now this square has
famous cafes
15:35 Museo Nazionale del

Bargello
Collection of sculptures and art shown in former 13th century
barracks
17:10 Santa Croce

1443 church, burial place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli,
Galileo and others
10:00 Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
This historic palace is one of the city's fine museums. Michelozzo di Bartolomeo designed after being
commissioned by Cosimo Medici. The building was a forerunner of civil renaissance architecture when it was
constructed. It took 15 years to build, between 1445 and 1460. The square building looked solid and
unmovable, a metaphor for the Medici family's power in Florence. The Medici family sold the palace to the
Riccardi family in 1659, they proceeded to extend the building and renovate the interior with baroque
elements. The palace became state property in 1814.
Today the palace is a museum where you can see the art, architecture and historic artifacts spanning 4
centuries. Michelozzo created the 15 th century renaissance inner courtyard which welcomes visitors. Up a 17
th century staircase you reach the Chapel of the Magi where you can see frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli. The
Galleria overlooks the garden from the 1 st floor, the large hall is opulently decorated with baroque art and Image By: Sailko
crowned by the ceiling frescoes of Luca Giordano. From Via Ginori you can reach the Biblioteche Moreniana
and Riccardiana.
Address: Via Camillo Cavour, 1, 50129 Florence
Technicians, historians, art experts, computer engineers and architects have come together to create the Phone Number: 055-276-0340
Point-At-System which is housed in the Laboratorio di Lorenzo. Here multimedia technology allows visitors to Admission: €7
point at images of the palace art and architecture projected on the wall and receive information about what Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
they see. Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, 23, 67,
68, 70, or 71
10:30 Cappelle Medicee / Medici Chapel
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
The Chapel of the Princes, the New Sacristy and the Crypt make up the three Medici Chapels that are
connected to the Church of San Lorenzo which the Medici family used as their personal church.
The Crypt is the final resting place for several minor members of the Medici family. It is located on the ground
floor and was designed by Bernardo Buontalenti before the upper chapels were completed. It has a low
vaulted ceiling. The crypt holds the remains of the Grand Dukes whose sarcophagi in the Chapel of Princes
are now empty.
Stairs from the Crypt lead up to the Chapel of Princes (Cappella dei Principi) where six Medici Grand Dukes
of Tuscany were laid to rest in sarcophagi which line the walls. Large bronze statues grace the sarcophagi of Image By: Michael Davies
Cosimo II and Fernando I. The 1604 design by Don Giovanni de Medici was added to by Buontalenti in later Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42274124@N05/
years. The octagonal chapel is covered in dark marble and pietra dura (inlayed precious stones) and features
the coat of arms of 16 Tuscan towns adorned with mother of pearl, coral and lapis lazuli inlay. Above the
Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini,
chapel is a tall dome which reaches a height of 50 meters. 6, 50123 Florence, Italy
On the final floor is the New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova), which functioned as the Medici family's funeral Admission: €8
chapel. Michelangelo started working on the chapel in 1521 but he left the city in 1534 when the work had not Opening Hours: 8:15am-2pm
yet been completed. Giorgio Vasari took over and completed the task in 1546. Michelangelo's Madonna and Web: www.firenzemusei.it
Child can be seen on one of the walls beside the Medici patron saints Cosmos and Damiam. In 1976 a secret Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, 23, 67,
corridor was discovered beneath the New Sacristy and the corridor walls are adorned with drawings by 68, 70, or 71 Closed: Closed 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mon
Michelangelo. and 2nd and 4th Sun of each month
11:15 San Lorenzo
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Cappelle Medicee
This is one of Florence's oldest and biggest churches, it is located in the city's market district. The original
building was constructed in 393AD and it functioned as the city's Basilica before being superseded by Santa
Reparata. As the parish church of the Medici family they funded the rebuilding of the church in 1419 and
Brunelleschi was commissioned for the job. The building was completed but a façade designed by
Michelangelo was never realized. The campanile was a later addition in 1740. The church is part of a
monastic complex together with other buildings of note.
The church has a cavernous interior which is sectioned off into several chapels; the oldest remaining part of
the church is the Old Sacristy (Sagresta Vecchia) where the Medici tombs are located. More Medici tombs,
designed by Michelangelo, can be seen in the Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy). The Cappelle Medici is one of Image By: PriorImage
Image Source:
the most beautiful areas of the church, designed by Bernardo Buontalenti and here there are more Medici http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:PriorImage
tombs, this time of family members who were less important.
A huge dome rises above the Cappella dei Principi (Princes' Chapel) an octagonal shaped hall where the Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123
Grand Dukes were buried. The dome was begun in 1604 and the hall was intended to hold the Holy Florence
Sepulchre if it were ever to be brought to Florence from Jerusalem. The Laurentian Library (1523) designed Phone Number: 055-214-042
by Michelangelo is within the monastic complex and is an example of Mannerism architecture. It holds Admission: €5-€7.50
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sundays
valuable historic books and manuscripts.
1:30pm-5:30pm
Notable works of art in the basilica include the frescoes by Bronzino; bronze pulpits and doors by Donatello; a Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17, 23, 67,
68, 70, or 71
wooden crucifix by Antonio del Pollaiuolo; an altar piece by Fra Filippo Lipi; the painting of the Marriage of the
Virgin by Rosso Fiorentino and tombs designed by several great artists including Verrocchio and
Michelangelo.
12:15 Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana
0.0 KM, 0 minutes walking from San Lorenzo
Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia
13:20 Central Market / Mercato Centrale
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana
The Mercato Centrale or Central Market is a landmark in Florence that has been there since the late 19 th century, in the year
1874. Designed by Giovanni Mengoni, this cast-iron building situated between via dell’Ariento, via Sant’Antonino, via Panicale,
and Piazzo del Mercato Centrale. The market is like paradise for food lovers, and there are a lot of shops to check out as well
when you are there.
Visit the Mercato Centrale not only because it is a hot tourist attraction but also because there are scores and scores of food
joints and stalls where you get superb Italian fare, especially cuisine from Tuscany. If you love seafood you must visit the
northern section of the market; you get a wide variety of sea fish and also shell fish. At the outer section of the market you get a
range of shops selling spices, fruits, vegetables, and also nuts. Check out the traditional shops for bread, confectionary items,
fresh fish, rissoles, fried food products, buffalo mozzarella, a wide variety of cheeses, fresh Italian pasta, wines, lampredotto,
and also ice cream and chocolate. For meat products visit the ground floor of the market; you get a range of meat products,
including sausages, wild boar, tripe, steaks, and more. Image By: Brian & Jaclyn Drum
Image Source:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Primi_Piatti_a
On the 140 th anniversary of the Mercato Centrale in 2014 the Mercato Centrale Firenze was opened due to the efforts of
Umberto Montano and Claudio Cardini. This is the upper floor of the market and has a number of cool food joints and also a Address: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50123,
culinary school. You can just stroll through the Mercato Centrale and take in all the different items on offer. The market is open
from Monday to Saturday from 7:00am to 14:00pm; Saturday it is open a little while longer actually – from 16:00pm to 19:00pm. Florence, Italy
The upper floor is open much longer, until midnight. Phone Number: +39-055 239 9798
Web:
www.mercatocentrale.it/en/mercato-centrale-firenze
Admission:
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-12am
14:45 Piazza della Repubblica
0.6 KM, 8 minutes walking from Central Market
This quadrangular shaped piazza is in the historic center of Florence. It is surrounded by pleasant restaurants
and cafes and visitors can see street performers here. During the ancient Roman era this was the meeting
point of two important routes, the Cardo and the Decumano. Even then the square was a hub of activity and
the site of the forum. During the Renaissance the square functioned as an important commercial hub with
market stalls occupying the space (Mercato Vecchio). During the 16 th century Cosimo I required all Jews to
live in this area which became the Jewish ghetto. The square was the site of 2 synagogues and numerous
Jewish homes.
In 1865 much of the original architecture and town planning was lost when an attempt was made to "redefine"
the city as the new capital of United Italy. Despite the capital being moved to Rome in 1871 the plans went
ahead and old buildings were knocked down to make room for the new. The citizens protested and fought for
the preservation for their historic city but the market and ghetto had already been removed, thus making room Address: Piazza della Repubblica, Rome
for the new Piazza della Repubblica.
The square is graced with the Colonna dell'Abbondanza, a tall column topped with a statue symbolizing
abundance. The square's most significant piece of architecture is the triumphant arch of Arcone (1895) which
was created in the wake of the redevelopment plans. The arch bears the inscription: " the old city was put out
of its misery and brought back to life. "
15:35 Museo Nazionale del Bargello / Bargello Museum
0.4 KM, 5 minutes walking from Piazza della Repubblica
The National Museum of Bargello is located within one of the city's oldest buildings which was built in 1255.
During the 1300s and 1400s the building was expanded and renovated which can be seen in the courtyard,
balcony and 1 st floor large hall. The building was once the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later
the home of the head of police. The fortress palace also functioned as a prison in the 18th century and was
the venue for executions, including the execution of Baroncelli who plotted against the Medici family.
The building became a museum in the 19 th century and today holds some prestigious masterpieces in
painting and sculpture. The museum is home to works by Donatello including his David sculpture and a
bronze David . There are works by Donatello's students, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Filippo Brunelleschi and glazed
terracotta pieces by Luca della Robbia.
Another area of the museum is dedicated to 16 th century Tuscan art and holds work by Michelangelo, Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence,
Andrea Sansovino, Jacopo Sansovino, Bandinelli, Bartolomeo Ammannati, Benvenuto Cellini and Italy
Giambologna. A special addition to the collection is bronze animals from the grotto of the Medici Villa of Phone Number: 055-238-8606, 055-294-883 to
reserve tickets
Castello.
Admission: €8
Other art work in the museum comes from the Roman and Byzantine era. There are medieval glazes, Opening Hours: Daily 8:15am-1:50pm
Web: www.sbas.firenze.it
Limoges porcelain, antique furniture, gold work, Venetian glass, wooden sculptures, glazed terracottas by
Other: www.firenzemusei.it (to reserve tickets)
Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia and there is a medal collection.
Transportation: Bus - A, 14, or 23 Closed:
Closed 2nd and 4th Mon and 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sun
of each month
17:10 Santa Croce
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from Museo Nazionale del Bargello
The Basilica of Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world; it is also called the "Temple of the
Italian Glories" because many of the country's great heroes are buried here including Michelangelo,
Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini. At the time of the church's construction it stood outside the city walls in
marshlands. The church was built in 1294 on the site of a former religious structure. Arnolfo di Cambio was
commissioned to design the church which was consecrated in 1442. In the cloisters is the Cappella dei Pazzi
which was a Chapter House designed by Filippo Brunelleschi who also designed the Inner Cloisters in 1453.
Giorgio Vasari rebuilt the choir screen in 1560 and by doing so some of the original decoration of the altars
was lost.
Nicolo Matas, a Jewish designer, created the neo-Gothic polychrome marble façade in 1863 and included a Image By: Gryffindor
Image Source:
Star of David into the design. Unfortunately he was not privileged to have been buried with the other fine http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gryffindor
artists in the church. Instead he was buried under the porch, because he was Jewish.
The church holds many valuable works of art including Alfieri's Monument by Antonio Canova; an altar piece Address: Piazza Santa Croce, 16, 50122
by Andrea della Robbia; decoration of the Cappella dei Pazzi by Luca della Robbia; works by Donatello; Florence, Italy
frescoes in the Castellani Chapel and stained glass windows by Agnolo Gaddi; frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi Phone Number: 055-244-619
including his Last Supper which is painted in the refectory; Giorgio Vasari designed Michelangelo's tomb and Admission: €6
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Sun
Rossellino designed Bruni's tomb as well as several other stunning works of art.
2pm-5pm
The Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce now occupies the cloister refectory and the former friar's dormitory is Transportation: Bus - B, 13, 23, or 71
where you can go and see leather artisans working in the Leather School. The Piazza Santa Croce in front of
the church is best known as the venue of the annual soccer game played here in medieval costume.

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Florence

My 3 Days in Florence - Packed Itinerary (1)

10:35 Florence Cathedral

12:35 Campanile di Giotto

13:45 Gallerie degli Uffizi

16:50 Palazzo Vecchio

18:20 Loggia dei Lanzi

18:50 Piazza della Signoria

19:20 Mercato Nuovo

11:05 Ponte Vecchio

11:40 Santo Spirito

12:10 Palazzo Pitti

13:40 Giardino Boboli

14:50 Giardino Bardini

17:20 San Miniato al Monte

18:30 Piazzale Michelangiolo

central island. 8:15am-7:30pm, Jun/Aug 8:15am-7:30pm

Address: Costa S. Giorgio, 2, 50125 Firenze FI, Italia

10:30 Cappelle Medicee

11:15 San Lorenzo

12:15 Biblioteca Medicea

13:20 Central Market

14:45 Piazza della Repubblica

15:35 Museo Nazionale del

17:10 Santa Croce

Address: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italia

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