Florence’s Top 10: Must See Attractions

The Renaissance, Dante and architecture speaks only a part of what Florence has to offer. Florence has been the top destination for tourists for many years, so what brings them all to this fairy-tale city?  Here are the top ten sites that everyone wants to see.

1. Duomo- It is the most recognized symbol of Florence.  You can see it arriving into the train station and landing at the airport.  Visting the cupola is a view that is beyond words.  463 steps and you almost reach heaven.
2. Ponte Vecchio-The only bridge Hilter didn’t want destroyed in WWII, it stands as it did since 1345.  Designed by Vasari, the Vasari Corridor was commissioned by the Medici so the well-to-do didn’t have to walk along bridge, full of butcher shops.  Now the bridge contains ritsy and elegant gold and silver shops.  When the sun sets in the evening, it is a spectacular site!
3. Piazzale Michelangelo- Where you can see the valley of Florence and the hilltop town Fiesole.  Originally constructed as a dedication to Michelangelo is now the most visited spot in Florence for tourists and the like.  Taking buses 12 or 13 can get you there.  Although I suggest walking, you can see much more on foot.
4. San Miniato al Monte Church- This church is just a hop, skip and many steps above Piazzale Michelangelo.  The legend of the Armenian prince, St. Miniato, that carried his decapitated head to this exact spot shouldn’t scare you from visiting it.  During the afternoon, you can catch the Monks from the monastery next door chanting in the crypt.
5. Orsanmichele Church-Inside sits the multi-jeweled tabernacle of the Madonna and Child by Andrea Orcagno.  The church is so silent inside even though it is located right on Via Calzaiuoli.
6. The Uffizi Gallery- One of the world’s most famous museum of Renaissance art and other works by the masters.  Book tickets online, best way to enter during the busy season.
7. Mercato Centrale-Located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, is open from 7am-2pm everyday.  The smells of fish, cheese and fresh meat will attract you.  The restaurants inside are reasonably priced and delicious with all the freshest ingredients.
8. San Marco Church-Now the hub for all the buses after the new bus routes, is a busy piazza.  The church was a convent as well where some famous Dominicans lived.  Fra Angelico painted many of the monks cells in his time.  Girolamo Savonarola preached against the Medici rule and was later burned at the stake in Piazza della Signoria.
9. Santa Croce Church-Sits in Piazza Santa Croce where a Dante statue is on the left side of the church.  Temple of the Italian Glories is what Santa Croce is also known as because many famous Italians were buried in this church.  Such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Foscolo to name a few.  Giotto also decorated many of the chapels with frescoes.
10. Boboli Gardens- These gardens are attached to the Palazzo Pitti or Pitti Palace on the Oltrarno.  It is one of the largest Italian style garden.  The original statues and fontains have all been savored and now copies are in their place.  The summer brings many to this gorgeous garden.

Katie Greenaway