Florence is a small city located in the heart region of Tuscany. It is bathed with architectural beauty way back from Renaissance period. The city is stunning from it’s every corner. Which are the best places to visit in the city for one day?
1.) Florence Cathedral ‘The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore’
The beautiful Basilica was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and the dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi during the Renaissance period. The whole cathedral is made of marble and bricks.
Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge but you have to wait in line until you can be able to enter the Cathedral. Do not be surprised that you can find hundreds of tourists. Inside, you can find art masterpieces such as the huge clock by Paolo Uccello, Dante and the Divine Comedy, Trompe-l’œilof Niccolò da Tolentino, The Last Judgement by Vasari and Zuccari which was featured in the Robert Langdons novel and the Tomb of Antonio d’Orso by Tino da Camaino. The interior of the Cathedral has an empty impression.
Address:Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italien
2. Giotto`s Bell Tower
The tower is part of the Duomo’s complex. The bell tower has a Gothic style and was designed by Giotto. There is a total of 414 steps to be able to reach the top of the tower. Above, 85m high, you can see a beautiful panoramic view of Florence as well as the background view of Brunelleschi’s cupola. There are no elevators, the alley is tight and people with heart condition are prohibited to climb. The tower was original designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296, but after his death in 1302, Giotto di Bondone continued building the project. If you want to visit the tower, you should get a ticket in advance, as tourists from around the world are wanting to check the area.
You can access the Bell Tower with the 3-days ticket that grants you access to the rest of the Complex.
Address:Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italien
3. Florence Baptistry
The baptistry is part of the Florence Duomo complex and was consecrated on November 6, 1059 by Pope Nicholas II. The construction began on the 4th century from the ruins of a Roman house. It has a Florentine Romanesque style, an octagonal shape and is covered by a dome with eight wedges. It is clad in white Carrara and green marble. The dome is covered with mosaics executed by Tuscan mosaicists.
You can access the Florence Baptistry with the 3-days ticket that grants you access to the rest of the Complex.
Address:Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italien
4. Opera del Duomo Museum
The museum was found in 1891 and was renovated in 2015. It is one of the most valuable museum in the world considering the collections that are kept inside. Inside, you can find the preserved masterpieces from Michelangelo, to Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti and more. It is divided into 28rooms and divided in 3 floors.
You can access the Florence Baptistry with the 3-days ticket that grants you access to the rest of the Complex.
Address:Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italien
5. Santa Reparata
is the original cathedral of Florence. Thanks to the archaeological dig from 1965-1973, they found the remains of old basilica of Santa Reparata, which gives evidence of early Christianity in Florence. The Santa Reparata is located 2 and a half meter beneath the Duomo complex. You can find archaelogical ruins during the tour. And also, you can see a part of the original floor mosaic of the church.
6. Brunelleschi Cupola
The dome of Florence, a symbol of architectrual achievement during the Rennaisance attracts the whole world with its beauty. Brunelleschi’s major innovation was to built the Dome without a supporting structure. The Dome consists of two distinct domes: one internal, more than two meters thick, with a deeper angle than the other and consisting of large arches held together by ribs and made of bricks arranged in a “herringbone” pattern. The external dome is covered with terracotta tiles and marked by eight white marble ribs.(duomo.firenze.it)
Climbing up the Brunelleschi’s dome is not recommended for people with heart disease and claustrophia. There is only a one way up and one way down. There are no available elevator. But upon reaching the top the view is great.
You can access the Florence Baptistry with the 3-days ticket that grants you access to the rest of the Complex.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italien
Share me your thoughts about Florence, Italy. 🙂
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