The Arno runs through Florence from east to west. The historic centre covers 505 hectares and is considered a unique social and urban work, shaped by long-lasting creativity. Its profound influence on the development of architecture and the visual arts first extended across Italy and then throughout Europe. Florence can therefore be viewed both as a tangible urban space and as a place with a far-reaching art history.

Art history from different perspectives

The Galleria dell’Accademia displays Michelangelo’s four Prigioni. Michelangelo’s David is also associated with the museum: in August 1873, the sculpture was moved from Piazza della Signoria to the Galleria dell’Accademia. In Florence, then, both individual works and their history are in the spotlight.

The Musei del Bargello comprise five independent institutions. Together, they form a multifaceted museum complex dedicated to Florentine art and history before, during and after the Renaissance. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses more than 750 works spanning over 720 years of history. The two offerings provide different perspectives on time: the Bargello complex sets art within the periods before, during and after the Renaissance, while the cathedral museum’s history spans more than seven centuries.

Gardens, markets and time outdoors

The Boboli Gardens are an open-air museum featuring ancient and Renaissance sculptures. The Medici shaped the gardens’ design and created the Italian garden style that served as a model for many European courts. Those interested in garden design will encounter both sculptures and a concept that had an impact across Europe. The gardens can be accessed through four entrances: at Piazza Pitti, via the Annalena entrance at Via Romana 37/A, at Forte Belvedere and at Porta Romana. Please check the access arrangements again before your visit.

The markets also offer different perspectives. The covered Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio houses food shops and opened in 1873. At Mercato Centrale, you can sample a variety of typical dishes in small trattorias. Food shops at one market and typical dishes to sample at the other offer distinct reasons to visit.

For exercise and relaxation, locals and visitors use Parco delle Cascine for sports, walks and downtime. The Bicipolitana helps visitors discover cycle paths in the city, in parks and along riverbanks. Before setting off, please check the maps and find out which sections have been completed.

Getting around the city

Firenze Santa Maria Novella station is in the city centre; the cathedral is a five-minute walk from there. You can reach Santa Croce from the station in about 20 minutes on foot, crossing the historic centre. Guided tours of Santa Croce are available with the site’s own staff, as is an audio guide for independent visits. You can choose between a guided tour and exploring on your own.

For more visitor information, consult Feel Florence, the official tourism website and app for the City of Florence and the Metropolitan City of Florence.

Discover more destinations: Castelfiorentino, Cerreto Guidi, Empoli, Firenzuola, Fucecchio, Gambassi Terme, Londa, Marradi, Montaione, Palazzuolo Sul Senio, Reggello, Montespertoli, Vinci, Barberino Val D’elsa, Certaldo, Figline Valdarno, Greve In Chianti, Bagno A Ripoli, Borgo San Lorenzo, Calenzano, Dicomano, Florence, Impruneta, Montelupo Fiorentino, Pelago, Pontassieve, Rignano Sull’arno, Rufina, San Casciano In Val Di Pesa, Scandicci, Sesto Fiorentino, Barberino Di Mugello, San Godenzo, Scarperia, Vicchio, Fiesole, Lastra A Signa, Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa, Signa, Campi Bisenzio, Incisa In Val D’arno, Capraia E Limite, Vaglia, Montecarelli, Petrognano, Il Castagno D’Andrea, Marliano, San Pierino, Meleto, Spedaletto, Linari, Bassa, Limite, Lazzeretto, Polcanto, Pian De’ Cerri, Le Vedute, Sant’Ansano, Pastine, Antella, Monterappoli, San Mauro, Pinete, Gaville, Ostina, Fontanella, Leccio, Gavena, Turignano, Chiocchio, Polvereto, Marcoiano, San Piero a Sieve, Paterno, Legri, Marcignana, Romita, Le Quattro Strade, Sambuca, Gigliola, Montefioralle, Massarella

For the main travel overview: Tuscany.