Weekend In Historical Florence

Florence is the stunning capital of the amazing region of Tuscany in Italy. Famous around the world for their incredible wine and rolling hills, Florence is also the destination for the history lover! This picturesque city is full of incredible historical sites. Let’s delve into the best historical sites in Florence. Download the Tripio app right now and start creating your very own custom itinerary. Planning your next vacation has never been easier, here at Tripio, we have done all the research for you and will even generate a custom top 10 based on your personal preferences. Expand your bucket-list! Let’s discover historical Florence.

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Visit One Of The Most Scenic Churches In Italy – Abbazia Di San Miniato Al Monte

Photo by gerry64 on Pixabay

Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, a stunning hilltop church that was constructed in the 11th-century. It stands as one of the finest examples of Romanesque structures in Tuscany and is one of the most scenic churches in all of Italy. Enjoy these gorgeous medieval interiors and not to mention the fantastic city view. Just be warned that there are quite a few stairs to climb however, the church and the view are well worth it.

Cathedral Of Santa Maria Del Fiore: Home To The World’s Largest Freestanding Dome

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built in 1296 out of white, green and pink marble. The design details on this church are exquisite and intricate. The church is free to enter and has a wheelchair accessible entrance, however, if you would like to climb up into the enormous dome then you will have to pay a fee and wait in line. The dome is not accessible by wheelchair.

The most iconic thing about the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is its Il Duomo. That iconic big red dome. It is in fact the world’s largest freestanding dome that is without a supporting frame. This big red dome dominates every photograph of historical Florence.

Uffizi Gallery: The World’s Finest Collection Of  Italian Renaissance Art, Historical Florence

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

The Uffizi Gallery opened  in 1765 and is home to the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world. Housing more than 100,000 drawings from DA Vinci, Michelangelo,  Raphael ….. not the ninja turtles…. the artists and much more. You could spend hours admiring some of this fine artwork. Relax afterwards in the rooftop café as you admire the view over Florence. 

Rub The Snout Of The Boar At Fontana Del Porcellino, Historical Florence

The Fontana Del Porcellino known by the locals as Il Porcellino is a bronze statue of a boar that was cast in 1634. You have to rub the snout of this boar to ensure your safe return to Florence. Some visitors also place a coin in his mouth for good luck. This boar has become so famous that dozens of replicas have popped up all over the world. Go on and rub his snout, that is if you want to return to Florence of course.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Historical Florence

Photo by alejandrocuencac on Pixabay

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was built in the 15th-century. This church is one of the most important religious buildings in the region as it holds the most prominent position in the city. It is beautifully decorated in a combination of Gothic and Renaissance style. The stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful in the country.

Fountain Of Neptune, Historical Florence

Photo by Jean Giroux on Unsplash

The Fountain of Neptune is an absolutely stunning octagonal fountain set in the middle of Piazza della Signoria in Florence. It was built in 1559 and features a large statue of Neptune alongside other mythological beings. This is a wonderful spot to enjoy a packed lunch if you have one. You can also fill up your water bottle behind the fountain, handy to know on a hot day.

The Famous David Of Michelangelo In Accademia Gallery, Historical Florence

Photo by Steve Barker on Unsplash

Accademia Gallery in Florence is famous for housing the nude Renaissance-era marble statue of David. Sculpted by the famous Michelangelo in 1504 when the artist was only 26 years old. The Accademia Gallery features an array of sculptures however, of course, David is the most popular. For your best chance of getting a solo photograph with the nude David, you would need to enter the gallery about an hour before closing time. No vacation to Florence is complete without visiting the famous statue of David. Add this to your custom itinerary and bucket list on the Tripio app right now!

Explore Palazzo Vecchio And climb Its Tower, Historical Florence

Photo by Matt Twyman on Unsplash

Palazzo Vecchio is a 13th-century fortress that has been intricately decorated by Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It houses beautifully decorated rooms and courtyards.  Explore the secret passageway or climb the tower (for an additional fee), this fortress is quite impressive and is a must-see while in Florence. The tower is not accessible to wheelchairs. 

Visit The Tomb Of Michelangelo In The Basilica Of Santa Croce In Florence

Photo by djedj on Pixabay

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence was built in 1294 and is the largest Franciscan church in the world. This remarkable church features 16 chapels, along with the tombs of the famous Michelangelo and Galileo. You cannot miss this church while in Florence, it is absolutely stunning as its white marble glistens in the sunlight. This basilica is the foundation for historical Florence.

Explore The Hilltop Fortress Of Forte Di Belvedere

Forte di Belvedere is a gorgeous Tuscan fortress set high on the hilltops overlooking Florence. It was built in 1590 and features a tower, café in which you can relax and get a drink along with stunning gardens. Not to mention the view of Florence is quite breath-taking.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge Filled With Shops, Historical Florence

Photo by Daniel Seßler on Unsplash

Ponte Vecchio Bridge was built in 1345 and is the only remaining bridge that survived WWII in Florence. This pedestrian only, medieval arched, river bridge has Roman origins and is lined with over 40 jewelry shops. Take a romantic stroll along the bridge at sunset and enjoy the music from the local buskers.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an Italian icon. Built in the 14th century, the tower is famous for its apparent lean. It was first noticed in 1170 after 3 of the first 8 stories were already constructed. It was set upon ground that was too soft and so the foundations began to sink.

The area around and leading up to the tower is wheelchair accessible but not inside the tower itself. That requires climbing steep stairs to the top. There are plenty of gift shops around the grounds to bring home those souvenirs. The photo where it looks like the person is holding up the tower is one of the most common poses with any landmark in the world. Download the Tripio app right now and add this to your custom itinerary. It is sure to be on every history buff’s custom top 10. I hope you have enjoyed this historic adventure! Until next time, keep traveling!

Looking for a romantic getaway in Florence, look no further than our blog on: The Best Romantic Getaway In Florence Tuscany

History catch your fancy, check out: Austria: Top 10 Historical Sites

Or looking for another weekend getaway, check out: Perfect Weekend In Singapore

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-Gemma Winchester, Tripio Guru

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