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Art Galleries
Cenacolo di Santo Spirto
A collection of 11 th Century Roamesque sculpture. Piazza di Santo Spirito 29 (055 28043).
Galleria dell'Accademia
Home of Michangelo's David sculpted in 1501 and believed to be the most beautiful man ever created in art form. Thousands flock to Venice to see David, making the line up at this gallery quite long, pre booking can be done. Via Ricasoli (055 238 8609).
Galleria d'Arte Moderna
Artworks here are from the 18th to 20th century, modern for Italy's old and rich art history. Work by Tuscan impressionists feature strongly at this gallery. Palazzo Pitti (055 238 8616).
Galleria del Costume
The focus of this gallery is dresses and outfits, with some styles dating back to 1700's. A good display tracing the history of fashion in Florence. Palazzo Pitti (055 238 8713).
Galleria degli Uffizi.
The finest and the oldest art gallery in the world was built in the mid 16th century.It is filled with some of the best artworks by the most famous artists ever known. Advance booking is advised as this gallery is very popular with tourists. Piazzale degli Uffizi, 50122. (055 238 8651).
Galleria Palatina
Found in the Palazzo Pitti complex this gallery has a large selection of masterpieces featuring a good range of Rapheal's works. Palazzo Pitti
Loggia della Signoria
More of an arcade than a gallery and features some beautiful sculpture and painting in an open air format. Piazza della Signoria
Florence Churches
Badia Fiorentina
This 10th century abbey has a romanesque bell tower. Via del Proconsolo
Basilica Di Santa Croce
This is one of Venice's most stunning churches and it contains the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Dante. The highlight is the Crucifix by Cimabue and the Pazzi Chapel. Piazza Santa Croce 16 (055 246 6105).
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Several chapels here are filled with fine renaissance art. Piazza di Santo Spirito (055 210 030).
Battistero
This church is stunning visually and is one of Florence's most popular churches with tourists. Famous for it's impressive doors that recreate scenes from the old and new testaments. The doors were affectionately titled 'The Gates of Paradise' by Michelangelo. Piazza San Giovanni (055 230 2885).
Cappella Brancacci
A chapel with frescoes and one of the early works of the Renaissance period. Via Santa Monaca (055 276 8224).
Cappelle Medicee
Designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century and features many of his sculptures. Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini (055 238 8602).
Chiesa di Ognissanti
A highlight here is the masterpiece Ultima Cena (Last Supper) by Ghirlandaio. Borgo Ognissanti (055 239 6802).
Chiesa di Santa Margherita
Famous for being Dante's place of worship is this little 11th century church. Via Santa Margherita
Chiesa di SS Michele e Gaetano
This Baroque designed church dates back to the 11th century but was overhauled in the 17th century. Via de' Tornabuoni
Duomo
Florence's most visible cathedral, known for it's majestic dome.The Duomo took over 150 years to build and started in 1296.You can climb the dome, visit the crypt and marvel at the exquisite stained glass windows when you visit this popular church. Piazza del Duomo (055 230 2885).
Santa Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi
A stunning highlight in this former convent is the fresco of the crucifiction of Christ. Borgo Pinti 58 (055 247 8420).
Santa Maria Novella
The church houses Trinita by Masaccio and frescos by Paolo Uccello. The Spanish Chapel has early Renaissance frescoes. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella (055 21 5918).
San Lorenzo
The incomplete façade provides for a rustic appearance whilst inside the church is a good example the Renaissance period. At the back are the Medici chapels. The sacristy has nine Michelangelo sculptures. Piazza San Lorenzo (055 21 6634).
San Miniato al Monte
An 11th Century church on top of a hill. Has a chapel with frescoes by Spinello Aretino and in the cemetery is the grave of Carlo Lorenzi author of Pinocchio. Via delle Porte Sante (055 234 2731).
Santa Trinita
Built in the 13th Century on the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio with frescos by Pontormo depicting the life of St Francis of Assissi. Piazza di Santa Trinita (055 21 6912).
Florence Historic Buildings
Campanile
The bell tower designed by Giotto rises to 85 metre above the Piazza del Duomo. Known to be the most beautiful bell tower in Italy, which is saying something as it has a lot of competition. Piazza del Duomo (055 230 2885).
Casa Buonarroti
The house was owned by Michelangelo but he never lived in it. Now contains a few of his pieces. Via Ghibellina 70 (055 24 1752).
Forte di Belvedere
Once a fort for the Grand Duke in the 16th Century, it now hosts exhibitions and is a great place to visit and view the city. Costa di San Giorgio
Giotto's Tower
Climb the tower to view Florence and the Duomo.
Palazzo Davanzati
This 14th Century medieval mansion has been undergoing restoration. Via Porta Rossa 13 (055 238 8610).
Palazzo Strozzi
This mammoth building made of golden coloured stone dates back to the 15th century. Piazza degli Strozzi
Palazzo Vecchio
The old city palace with the 95metre high bell tower. Built buy Arnolfo di Cambia in the 14th Century. The Sala dei Gigli houses Donatello's Giuditta e Oloferne. Piazza della Signoria (055 276 8224).
Piazza della Signoria
The best of architecture in Florence, here you can find medieval halls, monuments and fountains all around a central square. Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria (055 276 8465).
Spedale degli Innocenti
Known to be Europe's first orphanage, built in 1444. This imposing building is full of babies and cherubs, Botticelli's famous Madonna with Child and an Angel is housed here. Piazza Santissima Annunziata 12 (055 249 1708).
Ponte Santa Trinita'
This beautiful bridge was designed by Michelangelo, but was blown up by the German Forces in World War II. Engineers rebuilt it to the same specifications and also adding all the decorative statues, it was finished in 1958.
Ponte Vecchio
The oldest bridge over the Arno , built in 1345 is lined with shops. In World War II all of the bridges in Florence were reduced to rubble except this one, a stunning sight beholds visitors when they cross the Ponte Vecchio at night.
Pitti Palace .
On the south bank of the Arno the Medici family palace houses an art collection. Behind are the Boboli gardens. Piazza de'Pitti 1 (055 238 8614).
Piazzale Michelangelo
Michelangelo square on a hilltop above Porta San Niccolo.
Florence Museums
Casa Buonarroti
Known for being the house that Michelangelo owned but never resided in, displays some of his earliest paintings and drawings. Via Ghibellina (055 241 752).
Casa di Dante
A museum devoted to Dante and his work. Via Santa Margherita (055 21 9416).
Loggia del Bigallo
This small musuem has some fine art and sculpture treasures. PIazza San Giovanni (055 230 2885).
Macchine di Leonardo
Displays of Leonardo da Vinci's ideas. Via Cavour 21 (055 29 5264).
Museo Archeologico
This musuem houses some amazing exhibits and relics of Greek, Roman and ancient Egyptian artefacts. Via della Colonna (055 235 75).
Museo degli Argenti
A vast display of the wealth of the Medici dynasty, here you can see displays of jewellery, vases and antiques. Pallazzo Pitti (055 238 8709).
Museo dell'Antropologia e Etnologia
Established in 1869 and displays unusual exhibits that have a bearing on Italy's history. Via del Proconsolo 12 (055 239 6449).
Museo delle Porcellane
As the name suggests, fine porcelain are the main displays here, with some very intricate pieces that have survived the centuries. Housed in the casino at Giardino di Boboli. (055 265 1816).
Museo di Storia della Scienza
Museum of the History of Science is a historic collection of scientific instruments used in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy including some of the original instruments used by Galileo Galilei. Piazza de Giudici 1 (055 26 5311).
Museo Horne
14th and 15th century collections of paintings, sculptures,furniture, ceramics and coins are displayed here. Via de' Benci (055 244 661).
Museo Marino Marini
Displays over 200 works by the famous Italian sculptor, Marino Marini. Piazza San Pancrazio 1 (055 219 432).
The National Museum of the Bargello
Museo Nazionale Del Bargello ello houses Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture with works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli, Andrea and Jacopo Sansovino, Desiderio da Settignano, Giambologna, and Antonio Rossellino. Via del Proconsolo 4. (055 238 8606).
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
The Cathedral Museum, with works removed from the Duomo, including sculptures by Donatello. A treasure trove of artworks can be viewed here in airy spaciousness with a highlight being Michelangelo's famous obession Pieta. Piazza del Duomo 9, Florence (055 230 2885).
Museo di San Marco
Designed by Michelozzo and decorated by Fra Angelico during the period 1437 – 1447. Piazza San Marco 1 (055 238 8608).
Museo Salvatore Ferragamo
If you love shoes head to this tiny musuem. 80 years of footwear are diplayed here with most formerly donning some very famous feet. Via de' Tornabuoni (055 336 0456).
Museo Stibbert
This unusual museum is housed in a crumbling 14th century Palazzo. Everything from military relics to Botticelli art can be found here. Via Stibbert (055 475 520).
Museo Zoologico La Specola
Don't be expecting to see live animals as this museum houses an absurd collection of preserved and pickled animals and wax models of varying parts of the human anatomy. Via Romana (055 228 8251).
Opificio delle Pietre Dure
Situated in the convent of San Niccolo a highlight are the beautiful stone paintings. Vi
Florence Parks
Campo di Marte
A popular sporting area for locals, especially on weekends. The large grassed areas making it popular for soccer and other ball games.
Boboli Gardens
A landscaped garden with fountains, ponds and sculptures. Piazza de Pitti (055 265 1816).
Parc delle Cascine
The largest park in Florence can be found on the Western side of the city.This former game reserve now houses tennis courts, pools and walking or jogging tracks. Viale della Catena. (055 36 2233).
Piazza d'Azeglio
A great place to intermingle with the locals, this park is great for outdoor picnics, relaxing and also has a small playground.
Teatro Romano
This hillside archaeological park is located approx 30 minutes from the city. Historical ruins of roman theatres and baths can be found here. Fiesole (0555 9477).
Florence Places
Boboli Gardens
A landscaped garden with fountains, ponds and sculptures. Piazza de Pitti (055 265 1816).
Campanile
The bell tower designed by Giotto rises to 85 metre above the Piazza del Duomo. Piazza del Duomo (055 230 2885).
Casa Buonarroti
The house was owned by Michelangelo but he never lived in it. Now contains a few of his pieces. Via Ghibellina 70 (055 24 1752).
Cappella Brancacci
A chapel with frescoes and one of the early works of the Renaissance period. Via Santa Monaca (055 276 8224).
Casa di Dante
A museum devoted to Dante and his work. Via Santa Margherita (055 21 9416).
Cenacolo di Santo Spirto
A collection of 11 th Century Roamesque sculpture. Piazza di Santo Spirito 29 (055 28043).
Duomo
The cathedral took over 150 years to build and started in 1296. Piazza del Duomo (055 230 2885).
Galleria dell'Accademia
Home of Michangelo's David. Via Ricasoli (055 238 8609).
Galleria degli Uffizi.
A famous fine art museum that is serious popular and can take hours to enter. To save time buy a reserved ticket ahead of your visit. Piazzale degli Uffizi, 50122. (055 238 8651).
Giotto's Tower
Climb the tower to view Florence and the Duomo.
Machine di Leonardo
Displays of Leonardo da Vinci's ideas. Via Cavour 21 (055 29 5264).
Museo di Storia della Scienza
Museum of the History of Science is a historic collection of scientific instruments used in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy including some of the original instruments used by Galileo Galilei. Piazza de Giudici 1 (055 26 5311).
Museo Nazionale Del Bargello
The National Museum of the Bargello houses Renaissance and Mannerist sculpture with works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli, Andrea and Jacopo Sansovino, Desiderio da Settignano, Giambologna, and Antonio Rossellino. Via del Proconsolo 4. (055 238 8606).
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
The Cathedral Museum, with works removed from the Duomo, including sculptures by Donatello. Piazza del Duomo 9, Florence (055 230 2885).
Museo di San Marco
Designed by Michelozzo and decorated by Fra Angelico during the period 1437 – 1447. Piazza San Marco 1 (055 238 8608).
Palazzo Vecchio
The old city palace with the 95metre high bell tower. Built buy Arnolfo di Cambia in the 14th Century. The Sala dei Gigli houses Donatello's Giuditta e Oloferne. Piazza della Signoria (055 276 8224).
Parc delle Cascine
The largest park in Florence . Viale della Catena. (055 36 2233).
Ponte Vecchio
The oldest bridge over the Arno , built in 1345 is lined with shops.
Pitti Palace .
On the south bank of the Arno the Medici family palace houses an art collection. Behind are the Boboli gardens. Piazza de'Pitti 1 (055 238 8614).
Piazzale Michelangelo
Michelangelo square on a hilltop above Porta San Niccolo.
Santa Croce
The church contains the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Dante. The highlight is the Crucifix by Cimabue and the Pazzi Chapel. Piazza Santa Croce 16 (055 246 6105).
Santa Maria Novella
The church houses Trinita by Masaccio and frescos by Paolo Uccello. The Spanish Chapel has early Renaissance frescoes. Piazza di Santa Maria Novella (055 21 5918).
San Lorenzo
The incomplete façade provides for a rustic appearance whilst inside the church is a good example the Renaissance period. At the back are the Medici chapels. The sacristy has nine Michelangelo sculptures. Piazza San Lorenzo (055 21 6634).
San Miniato al Monte
An 11th Century church on top of a hill. Has a chapel with frescoes by Spinello Aretino and in the cemetery is the grave of Carlo Lorenzi author of Pinocchio.
Santa Trinita
Built in the 13th Century on the Oltrarno side of the Ponte Vecchio with frescos by Pontormo. Piazza di Santa Trinita (055 21 6912).
Florence Entertainment
Florence Cinemas
Cinema Fulgor
Some films are shown here in their original language and others are dubbed. Thursday night is when mainstream english language movies can be viewed. Via Maso Finniguerra (055 238 1881).
Odeon Cinehall
This is the main cinema in Florence, most movies here are screened in their original language with subtitles. Piazza degli Strozzi (055 214 068).
Florence Theatres
Teatro Communale di Firenze
This is the main theatre in the city and presents opera, ballet and concerts. September to December is the best time to attend the opera and concerts are performed from January to April. Corso Italia (055 277 91).
Teatro della Limonaia
If you are looking for some contempory entertainment this theatre hosts a variety of styles from dance to modern theatre performances. Via Gramsci (055 440 852).
Teatro della Pergola
This Theatre hosts Italian plays and is also a popular venue for the famous Maggio Musicale festival held from May to July. Via della Pergola (055 226 41).
Teatro Verdi
This theatre plays host to some famous and popular operas, ballet and classical music events. Via Ghibellina (055 212 320).
Florence Night time
Auditorium Flog
This venue plays host to live gigs from local bands to national acts. This huge space also feature Dj's and plenty of dancing. Via M Mercati (055 490 437).
Bebop
This casual venue offers a variety of musical entertainment including jazz, blues and country. Via dei Servi (055 239 6544).
Central Park
This popular venue has four dance floors, one of which is outdoors. Via Fosso Macinante (055 353 505).
Exmud
This venue is very popular with the younger set, it has a cocktail bar and a courtyard, and is located underground. Corso dei Tintori (055 263 8583).
Jazz Club
Popular with the post thirty set and lovers of Jazz. Live Jazz can be enjoyed on Friday and Saturday nights with other styles of music on most other nights of the week. Via Nuova de' Caccini (055 247 9700).
Meccano
There are three dance floors here, and is a popular nightclub with locals and tourists. Viale degli Olmi (055 331 371).
Space Electronic
This is a popular dance space with young locals and tourists. There are a couple of levels of dance floors with entertainment being in the form of karaoke and disco. Via Palazzulolo (055 293 082).
Tenax
This very popular, modern dance venue, hosts well know Italian and international bands. It turns into a vibrant nightclub late at night with Dj's and a packed dancefloor. Via Pratese (055 308 160).
Universale
This venue was originally one of Florence's old theatres. Now it is a popular venue for all ages of party goers, and provides a restaurant, bars and dance areas. Via Pisana (055 221 122).
Yab
This modern nightclub is only opened from October through to May and provides DJ style music. It is a popular venue as it is located in the heart of Florence. Via Sassetti (055 215 160).
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