4 Reasons Why Florence Is A Must See In Italy

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As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is an amazing city. Known for their art, architecture, and surrounding Tuscan hills, Florence is one of the most loved and visited cities in Italy (following Rome, Milan and Venice). After our recent road trip through the country, I most certainly can see why. Of all the places that we visited in Italy, this region of the country, Tuscany, was one that I left wanting to explore more. In fact, in my recent post about our 13 day road trip, my “recommended itinerary” was slightly changed from the trip that we took to allow more time in Florence and its surrounding areas. So, what makes Florence so special? Well, here are my top four reasons why Florence is a must see in Italy. 

Stay Local At An Agriturismo 

To fully experience Tuscan life, I highly recommend staying local at an agriturismo. As I mentioned in the post describing our road trip through Italy, agriturismos are working farms that also host overnight accommodations. Within Tuscany, many of the beautiful olive farms and vineyards of the area provide travelers with a place to stay to enjoy the gorgeous countryside. Most offer breakfast, many offer dinner and some even have swimming pools or kitchenettes/living spaces that are perfect for extended stays. For this reason, many agriturismos have a certain minimum number of nights to stay (most I saw have a minimum that is at least 2 or 3 nights, although some even a week), but are wonderful if you are looking to stay and experience the region. While they frequently are out a bit from Florence, if you have a car, the experience is certainly worth it and will allow you to explore other cities, towns and villages in the area as well. 

Charlie and I stayed at one such agriturismo, Torre Rasa, and it was fabulous! A little less than an hour from downtown Florence, Torre Rasa provided wonderful service, accommodations, and food. We ate dinner there the first night and had the most fabulous local cuisine with several courses in true Italian fashion. Like the Italians though, you must pace yourself and plan to linger for several hours as they were extremely generous on portion sizes! Overall, staying at Torre Rasa provided a rest from the city while being able to savor local Tuscan life and became a real highlight of our time here in the greater Florence area. 

Climb The Duomo

Have you ever visited a church and wanted to climb their dome to look over the city? Well, at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore you can do just that. Built by Brunelleschi, this brick dome covered with paintings set the stage for Renaissance art and architecture. Within the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore complex, there is not only the church and the dome, but also the baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower (which can also be climbed). While you can visit the church and other areas without climbing the dome, if your time and health allows, I most certainly recommend it. Not for the faint of heart, the 463 stairs to climb to the top of the dome provide amazing views of the city and allow you to walk along the curved edge of the interior of the dome to really take in the painted ceiling. My legs certainly were sore for a couple days after, but seeing the interior construction of the dome, the paintings and the city view, the climb was entirely worth it. This experience still is one of my favorites on our entire road trip and definitely makes the list as one of the reasons why Florence is a must see in Italy. 

Art 

Not only is Florence known for their architecture, but they also are known for their art. Home of some of the greats like Leonardo di Vinci and Michelangeo, Florence has several world renowned galleries that are worth visiting. 

Palazzo Medici Riccardi 

First, if you would like to see a more personal side of art and architecture blended together, visit Palazzo Medici Riccardi, built for the powerful Medici family in Florence. The Medici’s were some of the most influential families throughout Florence and were huge patrons of the arts. Their courtyards, personal chapel (the Chapel Of The Magi) and overall dwelling is beautiful to explore. 

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze 

While the Medici residence might be lesser known, the Accademia Gallery is well loved for its amazing collection of art. Housing everything from historic musical instruments to Renaissance paintings to sculptures to Michelango’s famous David, the Accademia Gallery is incredible and certainly should be added to your list! Housing the largest number of Michelangelo’s sculptures, this gallery is a sight to behold. Being able to see the detail of the sculptures, vibrant colors of the paintings, and the scale to which David was constructed brings history and study of these great artistworks to life in a way that is hard to comprehend on a screen or in a book. 

The Uffizi Galleries 

Lastly, but certainly not least, is the Uffizi Gallery. Located in the historic center of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited art museums in the world, and it really is spectacular. While each of the rooms hold works of sculpture or canvas, the painted ceilings and patterned floors allow the rooms themselves to be art as well. Similarly, if you are interested in good museum gift shops, the gift shops of the Uffizi Gallery and Gallery Accademia were some of the best that we visited on our trip. From children’s books to biographies to local artisan wares, they are a great spot to find a little treat to bring home with you. 

Gelato

Following world renowned art and architecture, you might be surprised to find gelato as my fourth reason for why Florence is a must see in Italy. That being said, of all the gelato shops we tried throughout the country, Florence had some of the best (followed closely by a shop in Trastevere in Rome), including La Gelatiera right near Palazzo Medici Riccardi. As Italy is known for their gelato, you can find gelato shops frequently sprinkled throughout the city and especially near popular tourist spots, but we found some of our best options were on the little back streets, away from the crowded main hubs. Regardless of where you are though, the most authentic gelato is not mounded up on display, but instead served out of round metal containers, normally with their tops on. This gelato consistently has the most intense flavor and creamy texture that is the hallmark of true Italian gelato. 

Final Thoughts

While there are SO many reasons to explore Florence, their agriturismos, architecture (particularly their Duomo), art and gelato are four of my favorite reasons why Florence is a must see in Italy. Rome might be known for the ways that they ruled the ancient world and influenced our modern day, but it is just as remarkable to see the birthplace of the Renaissance nestled into the fabric of Florence. And even though I knew much of this before visiting, somehow this authentic little area of Tuscany still took me by surprise and became one of my favorite spots in Italy. So, if you are an art lover or gelato fan, have you been to Florence? 

Happy traveling!

Chloe

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