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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance and is home to a wealth of buildings belonging to that era. Lavish Romanesque and Gothic styles were fashionable in the 11th – 13th centuries, before an early Renaissance style emerged in the early 15th century.

The centre of Florence is filled with palaces, churches and monuments defining this movement which was characterised by a classical sensibility with pilasters, columns, arches and pediments and strictly mathematical proportions.

The three architects who dominated the period were Brunelleschi, Michelozzo and Alberti while Michelangelo became one of the most important architects of the High Renaissance.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The tourist office has information on all the monuments and sights mentioned here.

The best way to soak up all this architecture is simply to wander the streets; the centro historico is very small and you will see a whole host of different architectural styles within a small radius.

When to do it

During high season (June-August) when it can get very hot and very crowded in the city centre, the best time to explore is very early in the morning. But an evening stroll is also very romantic and the golden light is glorious.

Baptistery of St. John
Experience

Baptistery of St. John

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Believed to be one of Florence’s oldest buildings, the Romanesque green and white marble Baptistery is famous for its glittering mosaics and three sets of bronze doors although the ones you see today are copies.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
Experience

Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

This hilltop church, a glorious example of Florentine Romanesque style, has a magnificent marble façade crowned by a glittering mosaic, and an unusual interior layout with a raised choir built over the crypt.  Look out for the intricate marble intarsia floor with zodiac motifs.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Basilica of Santo Spirito
Experience

Basilica of Santo Spirito

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Brunelleschi’s last (and arguably best) work with its iconic blank façade was mostly completed after his death in 1446. The vast, serene interior with its grey and white colour scheme, ranks of columns and semi-circular chapels is a magnificent example of Renaissance style.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Exterior front facade of the Renaissance-style cathedral
Experience

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

One of the city’s most popular sights, Florence’s cathedral (duomo) is topped by Brunelleschi’s iconic cupola, a marvel of Renaissance engineering that contains some four million bricks. Miraculously, it was built without the support of scaffolding.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

AdAstra

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

An aristocratic mansion set in a magnificent private garden, AdAstra offers 16 beautiful rooms filled with antiques, up-cycled retro pieces and quirky design touches.

Official star rating:

Hotel Continentale Florence

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Cool, edgy Ferragamo-owned design hotel by the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of the city – the perfect base for sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Four Seasons Florence

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

A superb heritage hotel with impeccable facilities and services that occupies a frescoed Renaissance palazzo and former convent. Set in a majestic 11-acre park, 20 minutes from Florence’s historic centre.

Official star rating:

Grand Hotel Minerva

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

A centrally-located 4-star hotel with comfortable modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and rooftop bar which is an unbeatable spot for sunset cocktails.

Official star rating:

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