Florence 2 Days Top Attractions Itinerary

My Florence 2 Days - Top Attractions
Itinerary
Day 1, Tue Aug 11 2015
Hour Where
1. 09:00 Galleria dell'Accademia
2. 10:35 Florence Cathedral
3. 11:35 Battistero
4. 12:35 Campanile di Giotto
5. 13:40 Orsanmichele
6. 14:40 Mercato Nuovo
7. 16:10 Piazza della Signoria
Recommended Visit Time

1 hour, 30 mins
1 hour
1 hour
1 hour
1 hour
1 hour, 30 mins
30 mins
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09:00
Galleria dell'Accademia
Rating:
Museums
Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins
The Accademia di Belle Arti art school was opened in 1784

within the buildings of the Convent of San Niccolo di
Cafaggio and the Hospital of San Matteo. The Galleria
dell'Academia was established together with the school to
exhibit the creations from the adjacent school. The
museum's collection was expanded with paintings from
various churches and eventually the museum became more
than just a showcase for the Accademia di Belle Arti.
The museum's most prized possession is Michelangelo's
David which joined the collection in 1873 and now stands in
the Tribune which was created by Emilio De Fabris
especially to house the sculpture. The museum collection
includes other pieces by Michelangelo like the sculptures of
Saint Matthew and the Four Slaves which came from the
Grotta del Buontalenti in the Boboli Gardens. On display are
also plaster models by Lorenzo Bartolini and 13 th and 14 th
century gold ground panel paintings. Other highlights
include Botticelli's Madonna and Child and Madonna of the
Sea .
The entrance to the museum is through the Hall of the
Colossus where you can see Giambologna's plaster model
of Rape of the Sabine Women . The walls of the hall are
lined with panel paintings by Perugino, Pontormo,
Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi and Bronzino. In the Hall of
Prisoners you can see Michelangelo's Four Slaves . On the
lower level of the museum is an exhibition of Florentine
Gothic paintings including an altar piece by Giotto. Within
the museum is a Museum of Instruments which holds an
extensive collection of 40 historic musical instruments from
the neighboring Luigi Cherubini Conservatory.
Address: Via Bettino Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Florence,

Italy
Phone Number: 055-238-8609, 055-238-8612.
Reserve tickets at 055-294-883
Admission: 6.50
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm, last
admission 30 min. before close
Web:
www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/accademia
Other: Reserve tickets at tel. 055-294-883 or
www.firenzemusei.it
Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 17, 25, 31,
32, 33, 67, 68, or 70
0.5 KM, 7 minutes by walking
10:35
Florence Cathedral
Rating:
Religious Sites
Visit Time: 1 hour
The Florence Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is

the Roman Catholic mother church of the city. It was named
for the lily (fiore), the city's symbol. The church was
designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction commenced in
1296, over time a number of architects took on the project
including Francesco Talenti and Orcagna. In 1436 the
building was completed with the help of Filippo
Brunelleschi's engineering of the huge dome which is a
symbol of the city. The cathedral is part of a UNESCO
complex of buildings together with the Baptistery and
campanile on Piazza del Duomo.
The construction of the cathedral was inspired by grand
cathedrals being built in other major Italian cities and was
founded on the site of a previous church, Santa Reparata.
You can see what remains of the original church in the crypt
of the Duomo.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

Phone Number: 055-230-2885
Admission: to church free, Santa Reparata
excavations 3, cupola 8
The original faade was destroyed in 1587 and only in 1864

did Emilio De Fabis create the Gothic Revival replacement.
Large bronze doors by Augusto Passaglia were added
between 1899 and 1903. The building's exterior is covered
with marble panels of various shapes and sizes in shades of
green, white and pink. The dome has a unique octagonal
design and was built without a supporting wooden frame,
which was unheard of at the time. Horizontal tone and iron
chains were used to reinforce the dome which is the world's
largest masonry dome. To commemorate the great
undertaking of Brunelleschi a statue of the architect now sits
in the adjacent square looking up at his creation. Along with
Brunelleschi stands a statue of Cambio also admiring his
work.
Opening Hours: Church Mon-Wed and Fri

10:00am-5:00pm, Thu 10:00am-3:30pm, 1st Sat of
month 10:00am-3:30pm, other Sat
10:00am-4:45pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm. Free tours
every 40 min. daily, 10:30am-noon and 3-4:20pm.
Cupola Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:00pm, Sat
8:30am-5:40pm
Web: www.operaduomo.firenze.it
or 71
Within the church there are impressive stained glass

windows, some by Ghiberti. The floor is a marvelous marble
mosaic paving created from 1526 to 1660. Other features in
the cavernous church include the 1443 clock by Paolo
Uccello and the stunning fresco by Giorgio Vasari which
covers the entire interior of the dome. The dome fresco
depicts the Last Judgment and was painted in 1579.
11:35
Battistero
Rating:
Religious Sites
Visit Time: 1 hour
The Baptistery of Saint John or the Baptistery di San

Giovanni is one of Florence' oldest and most important
religious buildings, it is dedicated to the city's patron, John
the Baptist. The present building was constructed on the site
of a former 1 st century Roman edifice. None of the original
Roman building remains but the present Baptistery dates
back to the 11 th and 14 th centuries. The building was
consecrated in 1059 and in those days needed to be large
enough to accommodate the crowds that attended the
biannual baptism ceremony.
The Tuscan Romanesque style octagonal exterior is
covered in white and green Prato marble and has elegant
arches between polygonal columns on the upper level and
semi-pilaster columns on the lower level. The exterior is
topped with a 12 th century roof and lantern. The Baptistery
opens onto the Piazza di San Giovanni and the Piazza del
Duomo. Lorenzo Ghiberti created the north and east facing
doors and Andrea Pisano was responsible for the south
facing door (1330). The eastern door, the Gates of
Paradise, is the best known of the Baptistery doors, the
originals are now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del
Duomo but exact replicas now stand in their place. The door
has ten panels depicting scenes from the Bible. Above the
door is a sculpture, The Baptism of Christ, which was
created by Andrea Sansovino.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

Admission: 4
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12:15pm-7:00pm, Sun
and 1st Sat of month 8:30am-2:00pm
or 71
The interior walls are covered with dazzling gold and from
the ground Sardinian granite columns rise up around the
periphery and are topped with gilded capitals. The floor has
a marble geometric pattern (1209); there is a rectangular
apse with mosaics dating back to 1225 created by
Franciscan Jacopo di Torrita and the ceiling is covered with
predominantly gold mosaics which cover the entire space
including the interior of the dome. Several tombs belonging
to important people are kept in the Baptistery including that
of Antipope John XXIII designed by Donatello and
Michelozzo.
12:35
Campanile di Giotto
Rating:
Architecture
Visit Time: 1 hour
Campanile means "tower" and this Florence tower was built

as a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral on Piazza del
Duomo and is part of a complex of buildings. The tower was
created by Giotto between 1334 and 1337 when he died
and Andrea Pisano took over the task until 1348. Francesco
Talenti completed the tower from 1350 to 1359.
The exterior is covered in a geometrical pattern of Carrara
green marble, white marble and red marble from Siena. It
features seven hexagonal marble tiles with sculptured reliefs
on each side of the bottom half of the tower. The tiles on the
side facing the cathedral were a later addition by Luca della
Robbia. On the second level of the tower there is another
series of tiles, this time in a diamond shape and with a blue
Majolica background by Andrea Pisano, Maso di Banco and
their assistants. The fourth level is adorned with life-size
sculptures by Donatello in niches on all sides of the tower.
The top three levels were completed by Talenti, and feature
large windows. The sculptures and relief tiles on the tower
today are replicas and the originals can be seen in the
Opera del Duomo Museum for Conservation.
Address: Piazza Duomo, Florence, Italy

Admission: 6
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am-7:30pm
or 71
The tower is 84.7 meters high and visitors can climb 414
steps to a terrace at the top of the tower to get brilliant views
across the city. The tower is divided into different levels and
on each level one of the tower's seven bells is housed.
13:40
Orsanmichele
Rating:
Religious Sites
Visit Time: 1 hour
The name of this church translates as the "kitchen garden of

St. Michael" as it was built where St. Michael convent's
kitchen garden was once grown. The church remains but
the convent has not survived. The building served both a
civil and a religious function over the years and was
originally constructed in 1337 as office space and to store
the city's grain. The ground floor loggia is what remains of
the original structure. By 1404 the building had been turned
into a church which was used by members of the Florence
craft and trade guilds.
Later in the 14 th century the municipality asked the guides
to improve the appearance of the faade and so each guild
was required to commission an artist to make a statue that
would be displayed in 14 niches on the building's faade.
The competitive nature of the guilds caused them to try and
outdo each other, making their statue the most expensive,
most beautiful or commissioning the greatest artists in the
city. Thanks to this the bronze and stone statuary of the
building is outstanding. Artists who contributed to the faade
figures include Simone di Ferrucci who made the Virgin and
Child ; Donatello who created the figure of St. Mark and St.
George ; Nanni di Banco; Andrea del Verrocchio; Lorenzo
Ghiberti; Baccio da Montelupo and Giambologna who made
the statue of St. Luke . The statues were made over the
course of 262 years between 1340 and 1602 so you can
really see the progression from Gothic to Renaissance
styles.
Address: Via dell'Arte della Lana, 50123 Florence

Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Church open erratic hours
(though never open during riposo). Museum daily
9-9:45am, 10-10:45am, and 11-11:45am (plus
Sat-Sun 1-1:45pm)
Transportation: Bus - A
Closed: Closed Mon
Today the originals can be seen in the museum on the top

floor of the church which is only open on Mondays.
Donatello's statues from the faade are now on show in the
Basilica di Santa Croce. However the faade has not been
left void of statues and replicas of the statues now fill the 14
niches.
14:40
Mercato Nuovo
Rating:
Shopping
The Mercato Nuovo or Straw Market is located in the

historic center of Florence; it is a covered market which has
been open for business as far back as the 11 th century. The
market gets its name from one of the traditional products
sold in the market, straw. The "new" market place replaced
the old market, Mercato Vecchio where vendors would set
up their stalls and sell a wide range of products as they still
do today.
The market stalls are protected by a loggia (a corridor which
is open on one side) with high arched openings leading onto
a rectangular hall. The loggia del Porcellino we see today
was constructed in the 1551. In each corner of the loggia
are two niches which were meant to be filled with statues
but only 3 were made at the time. The statues are of famous
residents of Florence: banker Michele di Lando, printer
Giovanni Villani and wool carder and later revolutionary,
Bernardo Cennini.
Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123

Florence, Italy
Phone Number: +39 055 290832
The most famous attraction in the market is the Fontana del

Porcellino which features a bronze statue of a wild boar.
The piece is a replica of the original which stands in Palazzo
Pitti and was created by Pietro Tacca. There is a tradition
that if you rub the beast's nose you will have good luck.
Visitors come to rub the pig's shinny snout and then put a
coin in his mouth, if the coin rolls all the way through the
grate where the water flows then your wish will be granted.
The statue has gained the market another name Mercato
del Porcellino or the piglet market.
On the ground beneath the covered area of the Loggia is a
circular shape, like a wheel with six spokes. The pattern
represents one of the wheels on a Carroccio (a portable
altar used by the Florentine Republic in medieval battles) as
this was the spot where the Carroccio would have been
placed, troops would gather in prayer and the republic's flag
hoisted. Later during the Renaissance the spot was used to
shame those in debt by chaining them to a post in this public
area and beating their naked buttocks with a chain three
times. Each time the insolvent merchant would have to fall
down on the ground on his naked backside. The symbol is
created with two colors of marble. This odd design is called
the pietra dello scandalo or the "stone of the shame."
16:10
Piazza della Signoria
Rating:
Square
Visit Time: 30 mins
This is one of Florence's most popular squares, the historic

L-shaped square got its name from the Palazzo Vecchi
which is also called the Palazzo della Signoria and is just
one of the important buildings lining the square.
Throughout history the square has been a hub of political
activity because of the buildings which surround the square
and the role they played in civil service. The Palazzo Vecchi
was the seat of United Italy's government and today houses
the Town Hall, mayor's office and town council. The Uffizi
Gallery which now houses a prestigious museum once was
used for administrative offices, the Tribunal and the state
archive. The Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (1359)
now houses the Bureau of Agriculture and once was used
as a venue for merchant trials. The Palace of the
Assicurazioni Generali (1871) was specifically built for
commercial purposes to house the General Insurance
Company. The Loggia della Signoria (also called the Loggia
dei Lanzi) is a corner building with high open archways that
was used for public assemblies and ceremonies. Today it is
used as an open-air gallery of Renaissance art and
antiquities including the statues of Medici Lions by Fancelli
and Vacca. The Palazzo Uguccioni (1550) has a faade
which has been attributed to various well known
Renaissance artists including Raphael and Michelangelo.
Other palaces on the square are the Palazzo dei Mercatanti
and the Palazzo dei Buonaguisi.
Adderss: Piazza della Signoria, Rome
At the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio stands a copy of

Michelangelo's David in the same spot where the genuine
statue stood for 69 years after its completion in 1504. Next
to David is Baccio Bandinelli's sculpture of Hercules and
Cacus . There is a bronze equestrian statue of Cosimo I and
The Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna; a copy of
Donatello's Judith and Holofernes and Cellini's Perseus with
the Head of Medusa . The Fountain of Neptune (1565) is a
fountain in the square designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
It was in the Piazza della Signoria that in 1497 the
Dominican priest Savonarola instigated the Bonefire of the
Vanities, a protest where a pile of gaming tables, books,
dresses, cosmetics, art, poems and other sinful items were
burnt. Unfortunately he was also burnt at the stake in the
square in 1498.
Visitors to the square can dine in cafes and restaurants
including the well known Caf Rivoire on the ground floor of
the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali.
Day 2, Wed Aug 12 2015

Hour Where
1. 09:00 Palazzo Vecchio
2. 10:00 Loggia dei Lanzi
3. 10:30 Gallerie degli Uffizi
4. 12:05 Ponte Vecchio
5. 12:45 Santa Maria della Carmine
6. 13:55 Palazzo Pitti
7. 15:00 Giardino Boboli
8. 16:25 Piazzale Michelangiolo
Recommended Visit Time

1 hour
30 mins
1 hour, 30 mins
30 mins
1 hour
1 hour
1 hour
1 hour
09:00
Palazzo Vecchio
Rating:
Palaces
Visit Time: 1 hour
With the rising success of the guilds of Florence, in 1293 the

Priors and people of the city decided to commission the
construction of a grand building which would be an
impressive seat of the Signoria. The building was initially
called the Palazzo dei Priori then the Palazzo della Signoria,
Palazzo del Popolo and the Palazzo Ducale. Arnolfo
Cambio was responsible for the core of the building which
was erected between 1299 and 1304.
The Romanesque fort-like palace has an open gallery at the
top of the building and the thin Arnolfo tower which rises 94
meters. The belfry design mirrors the gallery of the palace.
The palace is built of rusticated stonework and has two rows
of Gothic windows, bas-reliefs and the coats of arms of the
Florentine Republic painted on the building. Subsequently
the palace was expanded and renovated first by Vasari in
the 16 th century and later by Buontalenti in the 17 th
century. The palace served as the seat of the local
authorities before being taken over by the Medici family.
Later the building returned to being office space for the
government rulers, Chamber of Deputies and then the
Foreign Ministry. Today the former palace operates as the
Florence Town Hall.
Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence

Admission: 6
Opening Hours: Fri-Wed 9:00am-7:00pm, Thu
9:00am-2:00pm
Transportation: Bus - A, B, 23, or 71
Above the main entrance is a marble decoration in bright

blue guarded on both sides by lions. In front of the building
stands a replica of Michelangelo's David together with
Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus . The building has three
grand courtyards with exquisite frescoes. A stunning fresco
covered hall, Salone dei Cinquecento, built by Simone del
Pollaiolo with statues by Bandinelli and the center piece is
Michelangelo's The Genius of Victory . If you follow the
staircase designed by Vasari up to the 2 nd floor you'll find
the Chapel of Signoria; the Hall of Justice; the Room of the
Lilies decorated with gold lilies; Study Room and the
Apartments of the Elements. Among the many
masterpieces, frescoes and brilliant architecture is Angolo
Bronzino's painting Ritratto di Laura Battiferri.
10:00
Loggia dei Lanzi
Rating:
Architecture
Visit Time: 30 mins
Loggia dei Lanzi is more commonly known as Loggia della

Signoria as it is on the corner of Piazza della Signoria. The
definition of a loggia is a roofed or vaulted structure open on
one side and free-standing or attached to the side of a
building like a kind of covered corridor open on one side.
The Loggia dei Lanzi has three high, grand arches
supported by a cluster of pilasters (false columns) which
form a column; each is topped with a Corinthian capital. This
loggia was the prototype for many architectural structures to
come. Michelangelo liked it so much that he suggested that
the pattern be repeated around the entire square. The
loggia was intended as a public meeting place but today
functions as an open-air museum.
The loggia was completed in 1382 and designed by Simone
di Francesco Talenti and Benci di Cione Dame. The style is
Gothic and the structure was named after Cosimo I
de'Medici, Duke of Florence's personal guards who were
known as Lanzi, these guards used to be stationed at the
Loggia.
Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence,

Italy
Phone Number: +39 055 23885
Statues were first displayed in the loggia following the down

fall of the Medici family in 1494 after 150 years of rule. Art
work was brought from the palatial homes of the Medici to
be put on public display. Within the loggia are several
precious works of art. Here you can see Donatello's Judith
and Holofernes ; Cellini's bronze Perseus beheading
Medusa ; the Abduction of the Sabine Virgins and Hercules
Slaying the Centaur Nessus by Giambologna; Menelaus
Supporting the Body of Patroclus; The Abduction of
Polyxena and the Sabines , a series of female figures.
There are two lions guarding the entrance to the Loggia,
one dates back to ancient Roman civilization and the other
was created in 1598 by Vacchi.
10:30
Gallerie degli Uffizi
Rating:
Museums
At this world famous art gallery you can see works by some
of the top names in art history. The museum is one of the
oldest in the world and has attracted visitors from around
the world since it was officially opened to the public in 1765.
As far back as the "Grand Tour" era wealthy upper class
Europeans would tour Europe visiting the best that the
continent had to offer in terms of culture and art. The
majority of the Uffizi collection is from the period between
the 12 th and 17 th century although there are works outside
of this period. Records show that even da Vinci and
Michelangelo visited the Uffizi to see the precious art
collection.
Although the museum possesses about 3,100 works of art
there are usually about 1,700 on display at any given time.
Among the famous artists whose work is on display here are
Giotto Masaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Veronese,
Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Titian,
Caravaggio, Paolo Uccello and Caravaggio. The museum is
so vast that it can take at least 3 hours to see, but there are
some must-see works not to miss. See Gentile da
Fabriano's Adoration of the Magi; Battle of San Romano by
Uccello; Madonna and Child with Saint Anne by Masolino;
Filippo Lippi's Madonna and Child with Angels ; the works
by Botticelli on display in the Botticelli Room; da Vinci's
Annunciation ; Michelangelo's Doni Tondo ; works by
Raphael; Titian's Venus of Urbino ; Parmigiani's Madonna of
the Long Neck and the list of excellent art goes on
Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence,

Italy
Phone Number: 055-238-8651, 055-294-883 to
reserve tickets
Admission: 6.50
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-7:00pm. Ticket
window closes 45 min. before museum
Web: www.uffizi.firenze.it
Other: www.firenzemusei.it (to reserve tickets)
Transportation: Bus - A, B, 23, or 71
One of the most famous rooms in the museum is the

octagonal shaped Tribuna of the Uffizi, designed by
Bernardo Buintaleti. Here the most precious pieces in the
Medici collection are put on display.
In 1560 Cosimo I commissioned Giorgio Vasari to construct
the building that now houses the museum as offices for the
Florentine magistrates. Alfonso Parigi and Bernardo
Buontalenti took over the task of creating the offices which
were completed in 1581. Later Cosimo I was also
responsible for starting the museum collection as he strived
to assemble a collection that represented the best of
Tuscany art. The building has a long, narrow central
courtyard which looks onto the Arno River at one end
through a Doric screen. The cortile or inner courtyard is
lined by identical facades with niches and columns along the
length of the courtyard. In the niches are sculptures by
famous artists.
Plan ahead as this is one of the top attractions in the
country and the lines to get in are as famous as the
masterpieces inside!
12:05
Ponte Vecchio
Rating:
Bridge
Visit Time: 30 mins
The Old Bridge is one of the most striking of Florence's six

bridges; it is thought to date back as far as the Romans who
constructed stone pillars and wooden planks on this spot
where the Via Cassia crossed the river. Until 1218 it was the
only bridge that crossed the Arno River. The Roman
construction collapsed from flood damage in 1117 and again
in 1333, 12 years later it was rebuilt. The bridge has three
graceful arches supporting the covered crossing which was
topped with stores and houses under the porticos.
The bridge was built again in 1565 during the reign of the
Medici family when they wanted a route which would
connect them directly between Uffizi and the Palazzo Pitti
on the other side of the River, without even stepping foot
outside. The covered "corridor" across the bridge was
constructed on top of the bridge stores. It made their
crossing as easy as going from one room in a house to
another. This saved time crossing the river, protected them
from the weather and meant that they wouldn't have to
encounter any pesky commoners. Corridoio Vasariano,
designed by Vasari, was literally a corridor which ran above
goldsmith's stores crossing the river. Traders had set up
shop along the covered bridge as far back as the 13 th
century. Today on the bridge you can see a bust of one of
the 16 th century goldsmiths, Benvenuto Cellini. In the
middle of the bridge there is a break in the line of stores and
there are two observation terraces overlooking the river.
Address: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

Transportation: Bus - B or D
The bridge survived World War II when the German's

destroyed all of the city's bridges except this one. There is a
modern tradition for lovers to lock a padlock onto the bridge
and throw the key into the water, to symbolize their eternal
love. This tradition is called "love locks" and is practiced in
several countries on famous bridges.
12:45
Santa Maria della Carmine
Rating:
Religious Sites
Visit Time: 1 hour
This church is best known for the Brancaccio Chapel where

there are magnificent frescoes painted by Masaccio and
Masolino da Panicale and later completed by Filippino Lippi.
The church was constructed in 1268 however little of the
first structure remains. The church was extended in 1328
and in 1464 the Capitular Hall and the dining room were
added. Then in the 16 th and 17 th century Santa Mari del
Carmine was once again renovated this time the style of the
Romanesque structure became Baroque and the interior
was rebuilt in the Rococo style (1782). The Sacristy
survived a major fire in 1771 and the original work by Lippo
d'Andrea and Benedetto da Rovezzano remains.
Pietro Brancacci commissioned Brunelleschi to design the
chapel which is accessed from the adjacent convent. The
Brancacci Chapel also survived the fire of 1771 and so the
first work by Masaccio remains. Masolini was given the task
of decorating the chapel with frescoes, but half way through
his work he left for Hungary to serve as the King's painter,
and Masaccio, the painter's assistant, took over the job. He
excelled at the task but unfortunately he too was unable to
complete the frescoes as he died at the age of 27. Lippo
later completed the paintings. The painting cycle was very
influential on the Renaissance artists and specifically on
Michelangelo.
Address: Piazza del Carmine, 50124 Florence

Admission: Free to church, Brancacci chapel 4,
cumulative ticket with Palazzo Vecchio available
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun
1-5:00pm
Transportation: Bus - D, 6, 11, 36, 37, or 68
The Corsini Chapel (1675) was designed by Pier Francesco

Silvani and contains a dome with frescoes by Luca
Giordano and a Rococo ceiling by Domenico Ferretti. The
convent survived through several natural disasters but still
holds valuable works like the Last Supper by Alessandro
Allori.
13:55
Palazzo Pitti
Rating:
Palaces
Visit Time: 1 hour
This palace was home to the rulers of Florence up until

1919 when the property became part of the state. The
palace is situated in Oltrarno which lies across the River
Arno from the rest of the historic center. Luca Pitti wanted to
build a luxurious and opulent palace which would rival the
Medici family's stately homes. Filippo Brunelleschi was
commissioned to design the palace and on his death , 12
years before the project's completion, Luca Fancelli took
over the task. The palace was completed in 1465. The
Medici's came into possession of the palace in 1549 when
Pitti had no choice but to sell the property due to his
financial difficulties. The Medici family had a corridor
constructed connecting the Uffizi with the Palazzo Vecchio
so that they could cross the river easily without going
outside. Ammanati was employed to expand the palace
further and he spent 12 years, up until 1570, working on
features like the beautiful inner courtyard.
Address: Palazzo Pitti, 1, Florence, Italy

Phone Number: Galleria Palatina 055-238-8614,
Reserve tickets 055-294-883
Admission: With Galleria d'Arte Moderna - 8.50
Highlights of the palace architecture include the Artichoke

Fountain by Giovanni Francesco Susini. It was under the
Medici family that the palace gardens, the Boboli Garden
were planted. Following the Medici family came the House
of Lorraine in 1737, the palace was expanded again and the
interiors were renovated. Other owners included the Savoy,
Bourbons, Napoleon and finally Vittorio Emanuele III. It was
Emmanuele III who opened the palace to the general public.
adults, 18 and under free. Cumulative tickets for

the Galleria Palatina, Museo degli Argenti, Galleria
d'Arte Moderna, and Giardino Boboli 12 adults
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-5:50pm, last
admission 45 min. before close
Web: www.firenzemusei.it
Transportation: Bus - D, 11, 36, 37, or 68
The vast palace holds several museums and visitors can

also see the royal apartments. The museums include the
Galleria Palatina with Renaissance and Baroque paintings;
the Galleria del Costume; the Museo delle Carozze (a
collection of royal carriages) and the Galleria d'Arte
Moderne. There is also a Porcelain Museum and Silver
Museum. One of the prize pieces is Raffaello's Madonna on
the Chair and The Veiled Lady which can be seen in the
Palatine Gallery together with works by Tiziano, Caravaggio,
Rubens, van Dyck and Murillo. The Modern Art Museum is
best known for its Macchiaoli movement paintings.
15:00
Giardino Boboli
Rating:
Parks &
Gardens
Visit Time: 1 hour
This is the garden adjoining the Medici villa, Pitti Palace,

which now houses several museums. The garden was
originally commissioned by Cosimo I for his wife Eleonora di
Toledo. The villa garden was designed in 1549 by Tribolo
(Niccolo Pericoli) who died a year later. His task was taken
over by Bartolomeo Ammanati and Giorgio Vasari.
Buontalenti was responsible for the wide courtyard between
the palace and the garden. Since its initial planting the
garden has been expanded several times and now covers
45,000m.
Today the garden is a park criss-crossed with wide gravel
paths and punctuated with statues and feature elements.
Most of the sculptures date back to the 16 th to 18 th
centuries and there are also Roman artifacts within the park.
The Great Grotto was designed by Buontalenti and is home
to Giambologna's Venus and Michelangelo's statue of Four
Slaves . The garden has other grottos including the Large
Grotto and the Grotto of Madama. The garden has ponds,
fountains, nympheums, temples and sculptured hedges. An
Egyptian obelisk stands at the center of the garden
amphitheatre; it was brought from Luxor in Egypt and after
being kept in Rome for a while was brought here in 1789.
The Fountain of Neptune stands at the end of the path's
primary axis overlooking the amphitheatre. Stoldo Lorenzi
created the sculpture of Neptune which adorns the fountain
and further along is Giambologna's statue of Abundance .
The undulating land was incorporated into the garden's
design, for example the sloping Viottolone, or wide
tree-lined avenue. At the end of the avenue is another
feature of the garden, the Isoletto, a pond (1618), with
Giambologna's fountain "Ocean" on a central island.
Address: Piazza Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence

Admission: (with Museo degli Argenti) 6 adults,
under 18 free. Cumulative tickets for the Galleria
Palatina, Museo degli Argenti, Galleria d'Arte
Moderna, and Giardino Boboli 12 adults
The Giardino del Cavaliere stands on ramparts designed by

Michelangelo in 1529. The Kaffehaus was an 18 th century
addition with a beautiful glazed dome and the garden's
Lemon House was created by Zanobi del Rosso.
16:25
Piazzale Michelangiolo
Rating:
Square
Visit Time: 1 hour
This Florence square has an observation point from where

you can get brilliant views across the city skyline. The
square was built in 1869 and designed by Giuseppe Poggi,
it is located on a hill in the Oltrarno District. The long wide
Viali dei Colli Boulevard ends at the square and was part of
many changes made to the city during the renaissance
when the city was the country's capital. At the time the
square was constructed to provide a good vantage point
from which to look down upon the city's beautiful new
buildings. As the name suggests the Piazzale honors the
artist and sculptor Michelangelo and there are several
replicas of his work in Piazzale MIchelangelo. You can see
bronze replicas of Michelangelo's marble statue of David as
well as the 4 allegories of the Medici Chapel of San
Lorenzo.
Address: 50125 Florence

Transportation: Bus - 12 or 13
The observation point on the square is a balustrade terrace

and the panoramic views of the city are often seen on post
cards of the city. The site was intended as a museum where
Michelangelo's work would be displayed but this goal was
never realized. You can reach the hill top square via Viale
Michelangelo or by climbing up the stairs or ramps from
Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, also called Poggi Ramps.

Florence 2 Days Top Attractions Itinerary

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Florence 2 Days Top Attractions Itinerary

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My Florence 2 Days - Top Attractions

Recommended Visit Time

Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins

The Accademia di Belle Arti art school was opened in 1784

Address: Via Bettino Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Florence,

0.5 KM, 7 minutes by walking

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Florence Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

The original faade was destroyed in 1587 and only in 1864

Opening Hours: Church Mon-Wed and Fri

Within the church there are impressive stained glass

0.0 KM, 0 minutes by walking

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Baptistery of Saint John or the Baptistery di San

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

0.0 KM, 1 minutes by walking

Visit Time: 1 hour

Campanile means "tower" and this Florence tower was built

Address: Piazza Duomo, Florence, Italy

0.2 KM, 3 minutes by walking

Visit Time: 1 hour

The name of this church translates as the "kitchen garden of

Address: Via dell'Arte della Lana, 50123 Florence

Today the originals can be seen in the museum on the top

0.1 KM, 1 minutes by walking

Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins

The Mercato Nuovo or Straw Market is located in the

Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123

The most famous attraction in the market is the Fontana del

0.2 KM, 2 minutes by walking

Piazza della Signoria

Visit Time: 30 mins

This is one of Florence's most popular squares, the historic

Adderss: Piazza della Signoria, Rome

At the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio stands a copy of

Day 2, Wed Aug 12 2015

Recommended Visit Time

Visit Time: 1 hour

With the rising success of the guilds of Florence, in 1293 the

Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence

Above the main entrance is a marble decoration in bright

0.0 KM, 0 minutes by walking

Loggia dei Lanzi

Visit Time: 30 mins

Loggia dei Lanzi is more commonly known as Loggia della

Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence,

Statues were first displayed in the loggia following the down

0.1 KM, 2 minutes by walking

Gallerie degli Uffizi

Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence,

One of the most famous rooms in the museum is the

0.3 KM, 4 minutes by walking

Visit Time: 30 mins

The Old Bridge is one of the most striking of Florence's six

Address: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

The bridge survived World War II when the German's

0.8 KM, 11 minutes by walking

Santa Maria della Carmine

Visit Time: 1 hour

This church is best known for the Brancaccio Chapel where

Address: Piazza del Carmine, 50124 Florence

The Corsini Chapel (1675) was designed by Pier Francesco