by Catherine Slabaugh

With over 400 years of Florentine history, the world-renowned Officina Profumo- Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella invites visitors nationwide to be entranced by their breath-taking perfumes, cosmetics, and more.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed with an awe-inspiring fresco that takes you back to the Profumo’s origins in the early 1600s. The Profumo was originally owned and operated by Dominican Monks who created herbal remedies for locals. In the early 1900s, the shop was turned over to the government and transitioned into a Profumo, selling luxurious and diverse products for visitors flocking in from around the world.

The Profumo is divided into six different spaces open to the public; the sales hall, green room, ancient apothecary’s shop, sacristy, museum, and herbal tea room. I found myself gazing at the intricate detail of each room and the elegant products on display, truly a breathtaking sight. Each visitor is welcomed into the shop warmly as Profumo workers invite you to experience their products and find one to take home with you.

We arrived for our private tour early in the morning and were quickly surrounded by a vast array of tourists and locals, eyeing the historic yet elegant products. Perfumes, cosmetics, home fragrances, wax products, liquer, and even a product for your pet can all be found in this ancient palazzo.

Stepping into the first room, originally one of the chapels of the monastery, the sales hall features a beautifully restored fresco that represents the four continents, showcasing the Profumo’s presence around the world. The room holds their perfume, soap, and cosmetic products, truly hand-crafted delicacies.

Turning right from the large sales room, we were taken to the green room and ancient apothecary’s shop. The green room features portraits of each Profumo owner, beginning with the earliest Dominican Monks. Here we gazed upon their candle and wax products, home fragrances, and other household accessories, showcased beautifully amongst fall décor to highlight the season.

Connected to the green room is the ancient apothecary’s shop, the original sales hall from 1612 to 1848. We were taken back in time to the Profumo’s ancient herbal remedies as the elisir, teas, herbal supplements, and specialty liquors were on display. The way in which the Profumo holds on to their historical roots and adapts their products for the needs of visitors today is quite inspiring.

The final room is the small sacristy and museum that gave us a peek into the past lives of the Dominican Monks, complete with a restored fresco of the passion of Christ and ancient machines and ceramics once used in the perfume creation. If you are looking to relax and absorb the ambiance of the space, you will be pleased to know that the Profumo holds their own tea room and café where guests can indulge in a cappuccino or cup of tea, while viewing the handmade chocolates, candies, honey, and tea for sale.

I highly recommend experiencing the Profumo through a guided tour, as there are countless anecdotes and stories you will only learn when walking through the palazzo privately. It is here where I learned about the Profumo’s private enclosed garden, home to all the company’s flowers and herbs used in each product, truly ‘Made in Italy’.

There were two products that stood out to me in particular during my visit to the Profumo. Perhaps the most well-known item that continually draws people in is the Acqua di S.M. Novella Perfume, originally created for Caterina de’ Medici in 1533 and sold today using the same original formula. Another eye-catching product is the historical Santa Maria Novella Water, known as Acqua Antisterica, developed in 1614 for calming and digestive purposes.

As the Profumo holds true to their historical roots, they continually develop products that sweep visitors off their feet. Spending a morning at the Profumo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that cannot be replicated. I highly recommend incorporating a visit during your stay here in Florence, as this may be the most unique, and elegantly-smelling, a Florentine experience you will have!

L'articolo Officina profumeria – Santa Maria Novella proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

The latest temporary exhibition being held at Pitti Palaceis called Animalia Fashion and is a fabulous collection of Haute Couture fashion inspired by the natural beauty of the animal world.  Insects, snakes, shells, fish, swans and even spiders take over eighteen rooms in the form of not only the clothes but also with master paintings and exhibits from the Museo di Antropologia ed Etnografia.

Clothes, shoes and accessories that seem more like sculptures, or more correctly, wearable-art by well-known contemporary fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Prada, Christian Lacroix, Lanvin, Balmain, Azzedine Alaia & Emilio Pucci to name a few of the impressive line-up, are on display in the Museum of Costume and Fashion inside Pitti Palace.

The exhibition showcases nearly 100 items created between 2000 and 2018, loaned by famous fashion houses and emerging stylists alike.  Curated by Patricia Lurati, who devised the exhibition as the setting for an imaginary museum, explains : “In an emotional dialogue with this zoo of fabrics, feathers, leathers and more, the visitor is surprised and involved in the discovery of the wonders of the animal world, which becomes a source of inspiration for designers and creates unexpected juxtapositions in the observer’s imagination“.

The exhibition is included in the admission ticket to the museums of Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens and has the same opening hours.

Please contact us if you would like us to organise tickets or a private tour of Pitti Palace for you.

ANIMALIA FASHION 

8 January – 5 May, 2019

Museum of Costume and Fashion, Pitti Palace

DAYS : Tuesday – Sunday

HOURS : 8.15am – 6.50pm

ANIMALIA

L'articolo Animalia fashion at Pitti palace proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

Cosimo I and Caterina de ‘Medici, both born in 1519, will be celebrated as Florentines pay homage to the memory of these two important figures who left their indelible stamp in the history of Florence.

Over 50 events promoted by the Organizing Committee will range from exhibitions to concerts, guided tours, meetings and conventions, theatrical events, and real-time travels with historical representations and themed tastings; a rich program that will be spread over the whole of 2019.

A year of events to tell, understand and remember who Cosimo, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, was, and Caterina de Medici, queen of France, mother of three sovereigns and a political figure among the most authoritative of her time.

Many initiatives will be taking place over the next few months, from themed exhibitions at the Uffizi, Bargello National Museum, to Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the State Archive and the Laurentian Library.  There will also be guided tours of the Medici villas of Villa la Petraia and Villa di Castello, including theatrical and musical events.

So let’s get to know The Grand Duke and Queen a little better ………..

IL GRANDUCA – COSIMO 1

Cosimo was born in 1519 in Florence, to Giovanni de ‘Medici and Maria Salviati, niece of Lorenzo the Magnificent and representative of the main branch of the family. When Cosimo was 7 years old, his father died and so Cosimo moved with his mother to Trebbio, a town in the Mugello, where he spent his childhood years between hunting and outdoor sports, such as fencing, wrestling, horse handling, fishing and swimming.

He was considered a young man of weak spirit who was not inclined to politics or to command, but when he came to power, in 1537, succeeding Alessandro de ‘Medici, (known as Il Moro, who had been murdered by Lorenzino de’ Medici), Cosimo demonstrated himself to be a skilful and centralized politician, capable of consolidating the dominion of the Medici dynasty over Florence and expanding it to most of Tuscany. Starting from the battle of Montemurlo (1537), where the troops led by Alessandro Vitelli defeated the Florentine “exiles” backed by the French, until the break with the traditional alliance of Florence with France, in favour of one with the Spain of Charles V,  Cosimo’s ambition and determination was a step forward and not of one lacking leadership as the powerful of the time would accuse him of.

On 29 July 1539, under the auspices of the Spanish emperor, Cosimo married Eleonora, daughter of Don Pietro di Toledo, viceroy of Naples and brother of the Duke of Alba. The choice of the bride had not only political and economic interests, Cosimo and Eleonora were also bound by deep affection and lived, as biographer Baccio Baldini recalls: “with a lot of rest and pleasure, happily for many years”; until her death in 1562 due to malaria.

From 1543 Cosimo started a series of institutional and administrative reforms that consolidated the centralization of power towards his figure and which would leave him greater political independence. Cosimo perfected the state system, with reforms in the fields of administration of justice and of the superintendency of the domain, maintaining the legal and administrative division between the Duchy of Florence and the Duchy of Siena, following the annexation of 1555-57.

Alongside an authoritarian and centralizing policy, Cosimo launched a series of important cultural reforms. In 1543 he reopened the University in Pisa and established the Collegio di Sapienza, for poor students of the duchy. Between 1541 and 1542 he converted the Accademia degli Umidi into the Florentine Academy, whose activity was linked to the diffusion of the “Tuscan” language and to the foundation of ducal historiography. Meanwhile, he moved his residence from Palazzo Medici Riccardi to Palazzo Della Signoria. In 1560 he commissioned Giorgio Vasari for the construction of the Uffizi. On the advice of the architect from Arezzo, in 1563, he founded the Academy of Arts and Design, an institution still active today, whose role and prestige grew thanks to the extraordinary contribution of Academics such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Francesco da Sangallo, Benvenuto Cellini, Bartolomeo Ammannati, the Giambologna, Galileo Galilei, etc. In the meantime he expanded the majestic building of Palazzo Pitti, completing the Boboli Gardens and connecting the new residence with Palazzo Della Signoria through the Vasari Corridor.

In 1563 Cosimo left the government and rents of the state to his eldest son Francesco, reserving for himself the ducal title, the right of appointment to the most important offices, the allodial assets and the commercial capitals, as well as the right to consent in the most important political questions. In 1569 he obtained the title of Grand Duke of Tuscany from Pope Pius V. After the death of Eleonora, he married Camilla Martelli, from whom he had a daughter, Virginia. Cosimo died in 1574, in the Villa di Castello, following a stroke.

LA REGINA – CATERINA

Caterina de ‘Medici was born in 1519 in Florence, in the palace of the Via Larga (now Palazzo Medici Riccardi), to Lorenzo II de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino and Madeleine de la Tour d’Auvergne, daughter of Count Jean de Boulogne and of Caterina di Borbone. She lost her parents a few weeks after birth, remaining the sole heir of the Medici house. At the behest of great-uncle Leo X, the “Duchess of Urbino” was taken to Rome, and at his death, her guardianship passed to Clement VII.

In 1525, she returned to Florence, but due to political unrest and the plague that raged, she was transferred to the monastery of the Murate Benedictines. After the restoration of the Medici dominion, Clement VII recalled the orphan to Rome. Caterina was now eleven years old, making her a precious object in the Pope’s marriage policy, aimed at favouring the interests of the Curia and the Medici family in the context of the struggle of the great powers. The negotiations for Caterina’s marriage with the duke Enrico d’Orléans, second son of King Francis I of France, are in fact closely connected with the rivalry between Habsburg and Valois for dominance in Italy. The negotiations for Caterina’s French wedding came to fruition in the summer of 1533, in Marseille, but not before having “greeted” Florence and Italy with a sumptuous banquet held at Palazzo Medici.

In France, the young Duchess had a secondary role. The death of Clement VII, in 1534, had caused all political expectations related to marriage to vanish, and the rank of the husband, who was not the crown prince, relegated her to a marginal position at the French court. Although, in 1536, on the death of Francis of Valois, Caterina and Henry became the heirs to the throne of France (effectively becoming sovereigns in 1547).

In 1544 Caterina gave birth to the first heir: Francesco, the future Francesco II. The birth was welcomed by numerous celebrations because Caterina was considered infertile.  Proving everyone wrong, within twelve years, Caterina and Henry gave birth to ten children, of whom seven remained alive and three became rulers of France: Francis II, Charles IX, Henry III. Caterina was therefore called “the queen mother”.

Caterina’s presence at the court in France recalled several Italian exiles, in particular, the Florentine “exiles”, opponents of Cosimo I, considered by their usurper of Caterina. In 1559 the death of Henry II led Caterina to be the true ruler of the kingdom of France. As a manifestation of pain, she began to dress in black as a sign of mourning, going against the tradition that saw the use of white as the colour of mourning for the queens. From this moment Caterina assumed a decisive role alongside her heirs to the throne of her husband: from Francis II, who died in 1560, to Charles IX, under whose empire the wars of religion and the historic Night of St. Bartholomew took place; to finish with Henry III.

Caterina was a key figure in the cultural and political sphere. She died on January 5, 1589, in the castle of Blois. She was buried in the basilica of Saint-Denis, next to Henry II in the tomb in the rotunde of the Valois.

L'articolo Celebrating 500 years of Cosimo and Caterina proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

L'articolo Palazzo Belfiore on Ulisse proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

L’EROICA
* GAIOLE IN CHIANTI
06 OCTOBER 2019

*PRIVATE SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM OUR PALAZZI TO GAIOLE IN CHIANTI

ASK TO OUR CONCIERGE

L'articolo L’Eroica proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

Il Capodanno a Firenze 2020 si svolgerà in numerose piazze della città.  Un ricco programma di Show per tutti i gusti ed età tra musica, arte, danza, comicità ecc…

Ecco le tante novità in programma del CAPODANNO A FIRENZE 2019.

In Oltrarno, la splendida zona di Firenze dove si trova Palazzo Belfiore Firenze offrirà eventi musicali ed artistici. Scopriamoli in dettaglio :

–            DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT In Piazza Poggi, dalle 22.00 alle 02.00, performance di musica dance, Dancing in the moonlight, con tre artisti molto diversi come Matthew Herbert, Interstellar Funk e Dukwa, accompagnati da installazioni di arti digitali e light design sulla facciata di Porta San Niccolò, a cura dell’Associazione Culturale Feeling.

–            MARCHING BAND : L’Oltrarno, dalle 18.00 alle 01.00, sarà attraversato da due marching band in stile New Orleans, la Zastava Orchestra dai suoni balcanici e popolari e i Pulsar, una giovane band di forte impatto anche grazie ad originalissimi tamburi realizzati con materiali riciclati, a cura dell’Associazione Music Pool.

–            RAP FIORENTINO In Piazza del Carmine Capodanno sulla Luna: il rap da alta classifica di Mr.Rain e la star di X-Factor Martina Attili, e poi il cantautore fiorentino D’Iuorno, il set di DJ-V, Karaoke Contest e molto altro. A fare gli onori di casa è Bruno Enzo Ferrari, voce storica di Radio Bruno. Dalle 18.00, tra un live e un dj-set, animazione, giochi e gran coinvolgimento del pubblico si tirerà dritto fino all’una.

Gli altri eventi del CAPODANNO A FIRENZE 2019:

–            GOSPEL sul sagrato del Duomo: Sul sagrato di Piazza Duomo, dalle 22.00 alle 01.00,  sarà protagonista il Gospel con He made the moon and stars, spettacolo a cura dell’Associazione Culturale Musart, che vedrà unirsi armonicamente religiosità, passione e bellezza. Le esibizioni di due gruppi musicali si alterneranno con due reading lunari a cura di Fabrizio Checcacci mentre la presentazione e l’atteso countdown saranno affidati a Eva Edili, giornalista e speaker radiofonica.

–            CIRK FANTASTIK in Piazza Signoria: dalle 22.00 alle 01.00, il Cirk Fantastik in collaborazione con Cirko Vertigo realizzerà, con il contributo della Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, uno spettacolo di acrobatica e danza aerea, Vertigini Circensi, una performance di forte impatto visivo con proiezione di un video mapping sulla facciata di Palazzo Vecchio e l’accompagnamento di musiche ispirate alla luna.

–            SOUL & JAZZ in Piazza San Lorenzo: Soul, jazz, r&b sul sagrato di Piazza San Lorenzo, dalle 22.00 alle 01.00, per la regia dell’Associazione Music Pool, con grandi protagonisti italiani e internazionali, fra cui Eric B. Turner,  che aprirà la serata. A seguire James Senese, storico sassofonista e vocalist per arrivare al countdown a cura di Alessandra Cafiero, ideatrice e conduttrice di progetti come “Scrittori in Jazz” e “Salotto Jazz”.

–            MUSICA E COMICITA’ in Piazza SS Annunziata : a cura dell’Associazione Culturale Magnoprog, sarà un capodanno per tutti i gusti, da 0 a 99 anni: sul palco, dalle 22.00 alle 01.00, una kermesse di artisti, in un’alternanza di musica e comicità, con il toscanissimo Cristiano Militello, il Prof Lorenzo Baglioni, le parodie musicali de iMasa e un super gran finale con la musica dance, suonata dal vivo dagli Eurotunz.

–            LOGGE IN FESTA la Loggia del Grano, la Loggia del Pesce e la Loggia del Porcellino.  : L’Associazione Forme, dalle 18.00, darà vita a Logge in Festa coinvolgendo con una passeggiata lunare, per grandi e piccini, Nella Loggia del Grano, illuminata dalle installazioni del collettivo Skunk Control nell’ambito di F-Light, fino alle 22.00, potremo ascoltare musica italiana proposta, mentre spettacoli di giocolieri intratterrano le famiglie. Nella Loggia del Pesce, fino alle 01.00, ci sarà la musica pop dei Dj di RDF che si alternerà nel corso della serata alle spettacolari perfomance del collettivo Dhakkan.

Nella Loggia del Porcellino, Enrico Tagliaferri, timbro inconfondibile di Radio Mitology ’70 -’80,  farà ballare tutti, dalle 22.00 fino alle 01.00, con un’ampia selezione di musica disco, new wave, rock e i tormentoni dai primi anni ’70 al 1989, il tutto arricchito da un’installazione di videoarte a tema lunare.

–            PISTA DI GHIACCIO alla Fortezza da Basso: la più lunga pista artificiale di pattinaggio sul ghiaccio d’Europa, dalle 19.00 alle 02.00, vedrà musica, animazione e street food e, dalle 23.30,  “La piazza che balla!” con dJ set Circo Nero con tanto di performance artistiche, teatro, danza e arti circensi.

–            MUSICA CLASSICA in Piazza Santa Maria Novella : Sul sagrato di Santa Maria Novella si potrà assistere, dalle 22.30 alle 01.00, a un concerto di musica classica a cura di Associazione Artes sotto la direzione artistica del maestro Giuseppe Lanzetta con un repertorio dedicato ai piu’ celebri walzer e polke della tradizione viennese, e un omaggio speciale all’opera di Gioacchino Rossini e Ennio Morricone.

PRENOTA IL TUO CAPODANNO A FIRENZE
CON PALAZZO BELFIORE

L'articolo Scegli Firenze per festeggiare il capodanno proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

Pitti Immagine Uomo 97’s new theme is “Show your flags at Pitti.” The campaign video shows the Fortezza da Basso in colors and patterns of a unique flag. The goal of the winder shows is to feel a part of the ‘United Nations of Fashion.’ Agostino Poletto, The general manager of Pitti Immagine expresses: “Pitti is like the United Nations of Fashion, where every brand has its very own flag, but also where each one of us can be a flag of ourselves. The flag is never a silent fabric, it always says something, endlessly inspiring emotion, because it speaks according to universal messages, like those conveyed by the clothes we wear, and like clothing, it is a mobile symbol of identity, belonging, thought, and feeling.”

BOOK YOUR STAY IN FLORENCE DURING PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO

PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO
FORTEZZA DA BASSO

Viale Filippo Strozzi 1 – Firenze

Show Times:

7 – 10 january 2020

Every day: 9:00 – 18:00

Last day: 9:00 – 16:00

L'articolo Pitti Immagine Uomo 97 proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

9. Stefano Bardini Museum
Originally a church, the Stefano Bardini Museum was restructured by Bardini himself to be set up as a showroom of his art for potential buyers. Bardini believed that it was not about the way the art looked, but rather the environment that they created. Due to this vision, the museum is set up in scenes, and not chronological order. Along with the art and sculptures, the ceilings are also works of art within themselves.

8. Palatine Gallery
This gallery is located on the first floor of The Pitti Palace which is where the Medici family took residence. In the end of the 18th century, the Habsburg-Lorraine family hung up around 500 masterpieces that the Medici family had in their personal collection. Each painting is surrounded by a lavish gold frame and complemented by sculptures, vases, and other pieces from the 17th century. In the gallery, the largest collection of Raphael paintings and other invaluable works hang in all of their glory.

7. Stibbert Museum
When Frederick Stibbert was 21 years old, he inherited a great fortune from his grandfather, the Governor of Bengal, India. With this fortune, he turned his personal home into a real museum of armour, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and furniture. Now the museum is home to over 50,000 items, most of which are armour from many different cultures. The museum also is home to a romantic, English themed garden, which entrance is including in the gallery ticket.

6. Natural Museum of Bargello
Known as the Museo Nazionale in Italy, this museum was the first national museum to open once Italy was unified. It is located in the Palazzo Del Bargello and is home to amazing works from Donatella, Verrocchio, Michelangelo, and many more. This museum is mostly known for its vast collection of sculptures. Once inside the entrance, you enter an irregular courtyard with many hallways and staircases in every direction. Also unique to this museum is its collection of metal and goldworks from the 16th century.

5. San Marco Museum
Built between 1452 and 1473 by Michelozzo, this elegant building was the first public library of the western world. Later in 1866, it was confiscated by the Italian government and opened as a national monument in 1869. The museum itself is located in the former monastery within the library. This museum is jam packed with frescos by Beato Angelico, and many others that belonged to belonged to Cosimo the Elder of the Medici family. One of the most memorable parts of the museum is the fresco painted at the top of the staircase that is a symbol of purity, faith, and obedience.

4. Pitti Palace
Chosen by Cosimo I de Medici and his wife, The Pitti Palace soon become known as the symbol of the Medici family. After the Medici family inhabited the palace, it was home to two other royal dynasties: the Lorraine-Habsburg and the Kings of the House of Savoy. Today, the Palace is divided into five separate museums, having something for everyone in the family. The galleries include Modern Art, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Palatine Gallery, the Royal and Imperial Apartments, and Museum of Costume and Fashion.

3. Palazzo Vecchio
Known for its political and civil power, the Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most recognizable buildings in Florence. It was constructed on top of the ancient theater of the roman colony of Florentia, which ruins can be viewed on the the underground level once inside. The largest and most historic room is the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of five hundred), which was built in 1494 and is covered in beautiful frescoes and paneled ceilings. Guests can also climb the Torre di Arnolfo, or Arnolfo’s tower. This tower is 95 meters and 416 steps up, but the view from the top is worth it.

2. Galleria dell’Accademia
The gallery is located in some rooms that used to belong to the hospital of San Mateo and to the monastery of San Nicolas. This museum is home to one of the most recognized Florence sculture; The David. It was construction between 1501-1504 originally to be placed outside of the Cathedral of Florence. Once completed, David became symbol of the defeat of the Medici family as well as courage. Along with Michelangelo’s David, the gallery is also home to many other sculptures including “the Prisoners” which were comissed by Pope Julius to be put on his grave.

1. Galleria Degli Uffizi
If there is only time to visit one museum in Florence, this should be your top priority. Located on the edge of the Arno River, right off the Ponte Vecchio, this museum is home to a massive collection of artwork, architecture, sculptures, and books. This museum is also home to the largest collection of Medici family sculptures. The gallery occupies the entirety of the first and second floors of a large scale building designed by Giorgio Vasari. The vast amount of art could keep you occupied for hours, but if you need a quick break head up to the second floor adjacent to the river for a gorgeous view.

L'articolo Museums in Florence proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

L'articolo Videos proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.

Nestled deep in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is known throughout the world as being the birth of place of the Renaissance movement and home to some of the worlds most recognizable art and monuments. From Michelangelo’s statue of David at the Galleria dell’ Accademia to the stunning views of the Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Florence never ceases to amaze the millions of tourists that decide to visit this great city every year! The combination of the plaza filled streets, bustling downtown area, breathtaking architecture, and the thousands of café’s and sandwich shops. Florence is the perfect place to experience true Italian culture, and to help you do so we have compiled a list of the 10 “Must See” Monuments to visit while staying in Florence.

10. Santa Croce Church

Along with being the the world’s biggest Franciscan Church, the Santa Croce Church is the burial place to some of Florence’s most distinguished citizens such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. With 16 chapels, amazing detail, and illustrious tombs, this 14th century church will take your breath away the second you lay your eyes on it.

9. Piazzale Michelangelo

Designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1860, the Pizzale Michelangelo is a large partially pedestrianized square located in the Oltrano district, on the South bank of the Arno river. The square offers fabulous panoramic views of the entire city, and is home to amazing tree-lined paths and gardens. While visiting make sure to check out the tasty restaurant and snap a couple photos of the marvelous views.

8. Basilica di San Lorenzo

Located in the center of Florence’s main market district, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is the burial place of all the main members of the the renowned Medici family. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, and is one of the oldest and largest church’s in Florence. The façade of the church was never finished giving it a rustic look, but the interior is chalk full of pure renaissance magic.

7. Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria is a beautiful L-shaped square centered among some of Florence’s top attractions. It is located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, and is the main point of origin for the Florentine Republic. The square opened in 1330, and has been tied to Florentine politics ever since. While visiting the Piazza della Signoria make sure to checkout the fascinating statues littered throughout the square.

6. San Miniato al Monte

Standing atop one of the highest points in Florence, the San Miniato al Monte is the oldest church in Florence. Construction finished on the church in 1018, and it is a cornucopia of stunning art, medieval frescoes, and wonderful marble finishes. The San Miniato al Monte has been described as one Italy’s finest Romanesque structures, and is definitely a must see when it comes to monuments throughout the city.

5. Boboli Gardens

Situated behind the Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens is a beautiful and diverse park that showcases some of Florence’s best outdoor sculptures and fountains. The gardens were created by the Medici family in the 16th century, and feature outdoor artwork from the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries. The Boboli Gardens are great place to soak in authentic Italian culture while outside in the beautiful Florentine sun.

4. Palazzo Vecchio

The Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, and is known as one of the most important buildings in Florence. It housed Florence’s supreme governing body for six straight centuries, and is currently the active town hall of Florence. With rich ties to the Medici family, the Palazzo Vecchio has been at the center of Florence’s political proceedings since its creation in 1299. Stop by the Palazzo Vecchio to experience the inner workings of Florence, and Tuscany as a whole.

3. Giotto’s Campanile

Giotto’s Campanile is a free standing bell tower that is part of the complex of buildings that make up the Florence Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo. The tower was designed by renowned architect Giotto di Bondone, and was completed in 1359. It is one of the most prominent showcases of Florentine Gothic architecture, and can be seen from all over the city due to its massive height. The Giotto’s Campanile is not your everyday bell tower and with its amazing views and sights it’s definitely worth devoting some time to check it out.

2. Ponte Vecchio

Spanning over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge famous for having shops lining each edge of the bridge. After its construction in 996, and its reconstruction in 1345, the main tenants that occupied these shops were butchers. However, today high-end jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir merchants are the main occupants along the sides of the bridge. The Ponte Vecchio truly is a beautiful structure that can’t be found any other place in the world, and definitely is a must visit when staying in Florence.

1. Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo)

Dominating the panoramic view of Florence, the Santa Maria del Fiore is known as the main attraction of Florence. It is the world largest masonry dome, and it features over 600 years of stunning architectural detail and works of art. From its beautiful red, green, and white marble to its brilliant stained-glass windows, the Duomo is truly a must-visit monument when spending any time in Florence. While the area around the Duomo can get extremely crowded and tourist heavy a visit to the Santa Maria del Fiore is well worth it.

L'articolo Florence must see monuments proviene da Palazzo Belfiore.