SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Church of Santa Maria Novella
Gothic church marked by impressive bold stone vaulting. Piazza Santa Maria Novella – Tel. 055/282187; Mon–Thurs: 9am–5.30pm, Fri: 11am–5:30pm, Sat: 9am–5pm, Sun: noon–5pm; Entrance: € 2.70
Museum of Santa Maria Novella
The museum holds works by artists Alessandro Allori, Paolo Uccello, Andrea di Bonaiuto and the first religious frescoes in Florence. Piazza Santa Maria Novella – Tel. 055/282187; Mon–Thurs, Sun: 9am–2pm; Entrance: € 2.70
Church of Santa Trinita
Lorenzo Monaco’s frescoes of the life of the Virgin in the Sassetti Chapel—decorated with Ghirlandaio frescoes, as well as a highly venerated wooden Crucifix dating to the 14th century. Piazza Santa Trinita – Tel. 055/216912; Daily: 8am–noon & 4–6pm; Entrance: FREE
Church/Cenacolo of Ognissanti
Famous for its early Ghirlandaio frescoes and the tombstone of Sandro Botticelli. Via Borgo Ognissanti 42 – Tel. 055/2388720; Cenacolo – Open Mon, Tues, Sat: 9am–noon; The Last Supper can also be visited at other times by prior appointment (055/2396802); Church – Mon-Sat: 7:45am–noon & 4:45–6:30pm; Entrance: FREE
Marino Marini Museum
Museum dedicated to the great modern Tuscan sculptor. Piazza Santa Pancrazio – Tel. 055/219432; Daily: 10am–5pm; Entrance: € 4
SAN GIOVANNI
Medici Chapels
This structure houses the Chapel of the Princes and the New Sacristy of the San Lorenzo basilica. Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini 6 – Tel. 055/2388602 / Bookings: 055/294883 Fax: 055/264406; Daily: 8:15am–1.45pm; Sun: 8:15am–1:45pm; Entrance: € 6
Accademia Gallery
Home to the David as well as five other great works by Michelangelo. Via Ricasoli 60 – Tel. 055/2388612 / Bookings: 055/294883; Daily: 8:15am–6:50pm; Sun: 8:15am–6:50pm; Entrance: € 8.50
Archaeology Museum
Contains one of the most important collections of Etruscan art in Italy as well as Medici and Lorraine grand ducal collection of precious stones, gems, cameos and jewelry. Via della Colonna 38 – Tel. 055/23575; Daily: Mon: 8:30am–2pm; Tues–Fri: 8:30am–7pm; Sat & Sun: 8:30am–2pm; Entrance: € 4
Museum of San Marco
Dedicated to the ethereal paintings of Fra Angelico, the Museum of San Marco also houses a library and the tomb of Luigi Tornabuoni. Piazza San Marco 1 – Tel. 055/2388608; Daily: 8:15am–1:50pm (open only first, third and fifth Monday of each month), Sat: 8:15–6:50; Sun: 8:15am–6.50pm (open only second and fourth Sundays); Entrance: € 4
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Grand cathedral constructed with colourful marbles, 14th-century sculptures, gothic interior, huge grey stone arches and beautiful stained glass. Piazza Duomo 9 -Tel. Cathedral: 055/294514; Tel. Cupola and Campanile: 055/2302885; Mon–Sat: 10am–7pm, Thurs 10am–4:30pm, Sun: 1:30–4.45pm; Entrance: FREE
Baptistery of San Giovanni
The baptistery is known worldwide for its large bronze doors, The Gates of Paradise, by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Piazza S. Giovanni – Tel. 055/2302885; Daily: 11:15am–7pm; Sun & first Sat of month: 8:30am–2pm; Entrance: € 3
Cupola del Duomo
Arguably one of the most famous symbols of Florence, the interior of Brunelleschi’s Dome is decorated with scenes of The Last Judgement. Climb along the interior of the Dome for a rewarding view of Florence. Piazza Duomo – Tel. 055/2302885; Daily: 8:30am–7pm, Sat 8:30am–5:40pm; Sun: Closed; Entrance: € 6
Campanile del Duomo
Famous bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore, designed by Giotto. Piazza Duomo – Tel. 055/2302885; Daily: 8:30am–7:30pm; Closed Sundays; Entrance: € 6
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
This museum houses several works from the Duomo. Piazza Duomo 9 – Tel. 055/2302885; Daily: 9am–6:50pm; Sun: 9am–1pm; Entrance: € 6
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
The courtyard, the famous chapel frescoed by Benozzo Gozzoli and the galleria frescoed by Luca Giordano are permanently open to the public. Via Cavour 3 – Tel. 055/2760340; Daily: 9am–7pm; Closed on Wednesday; Entrance: € 5
Ospedale degli Innocenti
The first institution of its kind in Europe. Until 2000, the Ospedale degli Innocenti was operated as an orphanage. Today it is still dedicated to the education and care of children, and is a research center of UNICEF. The world’s first orphanage. Piazza SS. Annunziata 12 – Tel. 055/2491708; Daily: 8:30am–2pm, Sun 10am–2pm; Closed on Wednesday; Entrance: € 3
Stibbert Museum
It is most famous for its collection of Japanese armour and costumes worn by Napoleon Bonaparte. Via Stibbert 26 – Tel. 055/475520; Mon–Wed 10am–2pm, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm; Closed on Thursday; Entrance: € 8
Church and Museum of Orsanmichele
Previously a granary, Orsanmichele bears little resemblance to a church. The museum, only open on Mondays, houses damaged stone statuettes of saints and prophets dating from the late 14th century. Via dell’Arte della Lana – Tel. 055/284944; Daily 10am–5pm; Entrance: FREE
Church of San Lorenzo
Church with a rough facade and incredible interior, San Lorenzo is the burial place of all principal members of the Medici family from Cosimo il Vecchio to Cosimo III. Piazza San Lorenzo – Tel. 055/216634 and 055 218534; Daily: 10am–5pm; Closed on Sunday; Entrance: € 3
Church of Santissima Annunziata
The church houses a famous painting of the Annunciation. Leopold and Maria Anna Carolina of Saxony were married here. Piazza SS. Annunziata – Tel. 055/2398034; Daily: 7:30am–12:30pm & 4–6:30pm; Sunday: 7:30-am–12:30pm & 4–6:30pm; Entrance: FREE
Opificio delle Pietre Dure
The Opificio produced mosaics in hard or semi-precious stones to decorate objects like cabinets and table tops. Via Alfani, 78 – Tel: 055/26511; Open: Mon–Sat 8:15am–1:30pm, Thurs 3:45–5:30pm when there are additional exhibitions; Closed on Sunday; Entrance: € 4
SANTA CROCE
Monastery of San Salvi
Home of Andrea del Sarto’s celebrated Renaissance Last Supper fresco. Via di S. Salvi 16 – Tel. 055/2388603; Daily: 8:15am–1:50pm; Sunday: 8:15am–1:50pm; Closed on Monday; Entrance: FREE
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous museums in Italy and the world, contains masterpieces by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and many others. Highlights include Botticelli’s Primavera and The Birth of Venus. Piazzale degli Uffizi 6 – Tel. 055/2388651 / Bookings: 055/294883; Daily: 8:15am–6:50pm; Closed on Monday; Entrance: € 6.50
Bargello Museum
Once a prison, now home to some of Italy’s finest sculptures. Via del Proconsolo 4 – Tel. 055/2388606 / Bookings & information: 055/294883; Daily: 8:15am–1:50pm; Closed the first, third & fifth Sunday of each month and the second and fourth Monday; Entrance: € 4
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio was home to the Medici family until they moved to Palazzo Pitti; Piazza della Signoria – Tel. 055/2768465; Daily: 9am–7pm – Thurs 9am–2pm; Holidays and Sundays: 9am–7pm; Entrance: € 10
Casa Buonarroti
A quaint museum dedicated to Michelangelo. Via Ghibellina 70 – Tel. 055/241752; Daily: 10am–5pm; Closed on Tuesdays and January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, August 15, December 25; Entrance: € 6.50
Horne Museum
Art collection of Herbert P. Horne, English art historian and architect. Via dei Benci 6 – Tel. 055/244661; Daily: 9am–1pm; Holidays and Sundays: Closed; Entrance: € 7
Galileo Museum
This science museum holds mathematical and astronomical instruments, including many of Galileo’s original inventions. Piazza dei Giudici 1 – Tel. 055/265311; Mon: 9:30am–6pm, Tues: 9:30am–1pm, Wed-Sun: 9:30am–6 pm; Entrance: € 9
Church of Santa Croce
A pantheon of famous Florentines rest here. Piazza Santa Croce – Tel. 055/244619. Daily in the summer: 9:30am–5:30pm. Daily in the winter: 8 am–12:30pm and 3–5:30pm; Holidays and Sundays: 1–5:30pm; Entrance: € 3 (including museum)
Museum of Works of Santa Croce
Includes the Brunelleschi Chapel and Cimabue’s Crucifix. Access through the church. Piazza S. Croce 16 – Tel. 055/244619; Daily: 9:30am–5:30 pm; Holidays and Sundays: 1–5:30pm; Entrance: € 3
SANTO SPIRITO
Brancacci Chapel
Chapel of the church of Santa Maria Del Carmine housing 15th-century frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino. Piazza del Carmine 14 – Tel. 055/2382195; Daily: 10am–5pm; Holidays and Sundays: 1–5pm; Closed on Tuesdays; Entrance: € 3
Zoological Museum La Specola
Regarded by some as the oldest scientific museum in Europe. Via Romana 17 – Tel. 055/228825; Daily: 9am–1pm; Holidays and Sundays: 9am–1pm; Closed on Wednesday; Entrance: € 5
Church of Santo Spirito
A modest 18th-century facade but a superb Renaissance interior marked by stained glass and painted altar pieces. Piazza Santo Spirito – Tel. 055/210030; Daily: 10am–12:30pm and 4–5:30 pm; Holidays and Sundays: 4–5:30 pm; Closed on Wednesday afternoons; Entrance: FREE
Cenacolo of Santo Spirito
Augustinian refectory. Piazza Santo Spirito 29 – Tel. 055/287043; Sat–Mon from 10am–4pm; Closed Tues–Fri; Entrance: € 3
PITTI PALACE
Pitti Palace
The official seat of the Medici dynasty. The grand palace holds many collections including those in its Palatine Gallery, Modern Art Gallery, Costume Museum and original apartments of the Medici family. Piazza Pitti 1 Tel. 055/212688; Booking: 055/294883; Mon-Sun: 8:15am–4:30pm; Closed on Mon, New Year’s Day, May 1 and Christmas Day; Entrance: Pitti Palace inclusive ticket (valid 3 days) includes the entire museum complex of the Pitti Palace; Full price: € 11.50; Reduced price: € 5.75; Entry after 4pm: full price € 9.00, reduced price € 4.50; The inclusive ticket is not available when exhibitions are being held in any of the museums.
Boboli Gardens
Just behind the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens are one of the largest and most beautiful examples of the Italian Garden. The highest point of the gardens offers panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and city; Tel. 055/2388786; Booking: 055/294883; November to February: 8:15am–4:30pm. March: 8:15am–5:30pm. April, May, September and October: 8:15am–6:30pm. June, July and August: 8:15am–6:30pm; Closed: first and last Monday of month, Holidays; Entrance: Boboli Gardens and the Costume Gallery € 7, booking (optional): 50% reduction for 18–25 year olds from the European Union and for regular state teachers.
Modern Art Gallery
The gallery contains paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tues-Sun 8:15am–6:50 pm; Entrance: Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery: € 8.50; Booking (optional): € 3; 50% reduction for 18–25 year olds from the European Union and for regular state teachers.
Palatine Gallery and Royal Apartments
An important collection of paintings from the 15th to the 17th century. The Royal Apartments are closed for maintenance every year in January; Entrance: Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery.
Costume Gallery
Displays clothing including original garments worn by Eleonora di Toledo and Cosimo I. Entrance: Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery.
Silver Museum
Holds collections of silver, ivory, gems, and other precious objects owned by the Medici and Lorraine families. Entrance: € 2 or buy an all-inclusive ticket.
Porcelain Museum
This museum contains ceramics from the factories of Sevre, Meissen and Vienna. Entrance: € 3 or buy an all-inclusive ticket.
PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
Church of San Miniato al Monte
Beautiful marble facade in white and dark green marble; its interior is uniquely Florentine in architectural style. Via Monte alle Croci – Tel. 055/2342731; Summer: daily from 9am–12:30 pm and 2:30–7:30pm; Winter: Daily from 8am–7:30 pm; Entrance: FREE