We phoned them all so you don’t have to. This spring, have a Stendhal Syndrome moment (or a few) with this complete guide to museums and monuments in Florence. It’s time to get cultural, ragazzi.
ACCADEMIA GALLERY
Home to the David as well as other great works by Michelangelo.
Via Ricasoli 60 – Tel. 055 2388609/ Bookings: 055/294883; Daily: 8:15am–6:50pm; Closed Mondays; Entrance: € 8.50 without exhibitions; € 12.50 with exhibitions. The museum will have special summer evening hours on Tuesdays from 7–10pm (beginning June 6 and ending September 26).
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 jewellery.
Piazza SS. Annunziata 9/b (from via della Colonna) – Tel. 055/23575; Mon, Sat & Sun 8:30am–2pm; Tues–Fri: 8:30am–7pm; Closed second, fourth and fifth Sunday of the month. Entrance: € 4
Egyptian Museum
Located inside the Archaeology Museum, this holds an impressive collection of Egyptian art and artifacts, second only to the famous Egyptian Museum in Turin.
Piazza Santissima Annunziata 9b; Mon, Sat & Sun: 8:30am–2pm; Tues–Fri: 8:30am–7pm; Entrance € 4 (same ticket as the Archaeology Museum)
Bardini Museum
Named after the authoritative Italian antiquarian, the museum is an extraordinary illustration of collecting, antiques and artistic crafts from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Via dei Renai 37 – Tel. 055 2342427; Friday–Monday: 11am–5pm; Closed Tuesday–Thursday; Entrance: €6
BARGELLO MUSEUM
Once a prison, now home to some of Italy’s best sculptures.
Via del Proconsolo 4 – Bookings & information: 055/294883; Daily: 8:15am–5pm; Closed the first, second & fifth Monday of the month and the second and fourth Sunday; Entrance: € 8 without exhibitions; € 11 with exhibitions.
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: Wed–Fri: € 6; Sat–Mon: € 7.
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, August 15, December 25; Entrance: € 6.50.
Museum of the 20th Century
An exciting space dedicated to 20th-century Italian art.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 10 – Tel. 055/286132; April to September: Sat–Wed: 11am–8pm; Thurs: 11am–2pm; Fri: 11am–11pm; October to March: Fri–Wed: 11am–7pm; Thurs: 11am–2pm; Entrance € 8.50.
CATHEDRAL COMPLEX
Florence’s baptistery with Santa Maria del Fiore in background | Ph. Helen Farrell
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; Mon–Fri: 8:15am–10:15am & 11:15am–7.30pm; Sat: 8:15am–6:30pm; Sun: 8:15am–1:30pm; Entrance: € 15 (includes museum, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and dome).
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; Mon–Wed & Fri: 10am–5pm; Thurs: 10am–4:30pm; Sat 10am–4:45pm; Sun 1:30pm–4.45pm; Entrance: FREE.
Campanile del Duomo
Famous bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore, designed by Giotto.
Piazza Duomo – Tel. 055/2302885; Daily: 8:15am–7pm; Entrance: € 15 (includes museum, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and dome).
Cupola del Duomo (Dome)
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–5pm; Sun: 1pm–4pm; Entrance: € 15 (includes museum, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and dome). Reservations required.
Opera del Duomo Museum
Reopened museum housing masterpieces from the Duomo.
Piazza Duomo 9 – Tel. 055/2302885; Daily: 9am–7:30pm; Closed first Tuesday of the month; Entrance: € 15 (includes museum, bell tower, baptistery, crypt, and dome).
Dante’s House Museum
Touted to be the house where Dante once lived, the house museum is a source of information about the Supreme Poet’s life.
Via S. Margherita, 1 – Tel. 055/219416; Daily: 10am–6pm; Entrance: € 4.
Galileo Museum
This science museum holds mathematical and astronomical instruments, including many of Galileo’s original inventions.
Piazza dei Giudici 1 – Tel. 055/265311; Daily: 9:30am–6pm; Tues: 9:30am–1pm; Entrance: € 9.
Horne Museum
Art collection of Herbert P. Horne, English art historian and architect.
Via dei Benci 6 – Tel. 055/244661; Thurs–Tues: 10am–2pm; Closed Wednesdays; Entrance: € 7.
La Specola Zoological Museum
Regarded by some as the oldest scientific museum in Europe.
Via Romana 17 – Tel. 055/2756444; June to September: Daily: 10:30am–5:30pm; October to May: Tues–Sun: 9:30am–4:30pm; Closed on Mondays and holidays; Entrance: € 6
Marino Marini Museum
Museum dedicated to the great modern Tuscan sculptor.
Piazza Santa Pancrazio – Tel. 055/219432; Wed–Fri: 10am–1pm; Sat–Mon: 10am–7pm. Closed Tuesdays; Entrance: € 6
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; Daily: 8:15am–4:45pm; Closed the first, third and fifth Mondays and the second and fourth Sundays of the month; Entrance: € 8.
Ognissanti Church and Last Supper
Famous for its early Ghirlandaio frescoes and the tombstone of Sandro Botticelli.
Via Borgo Ognissanti 42 – Tel. 055/2398700; The Church: Daily: 9:30am–12:30pm & 4pm-7pm; Entrance: FREE.
The Last Supper has a separate entrance and is open only on Mon and Sat: 9am–1pm; 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; Mon–Sat: 8:15am–2pm; Closed Sundays and holidays; Entrance: € 4.
Orsanmichele Church and Museum
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. 055/2388606; Church: Daily: 10am–5pm; Museum: Mon: 10am–5pm; Closed Tues–Sun; Entrance: FREE.
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.
Piazza SS. Annunziata 12 – Tel. 055/2491708; Daily: 10am–7pm; Entrance: € 7
Palazzo Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio was home to the Medici family until they moved to Palazzo Pitti.
Piazza della Signoria – Tel. 055/2768465; April to September: Daily: 9am–11pm: Thurs: 9am–2pm; October–March: Daily: 9am–7pm; Thurs: 9am–2pm; Entrance: € 10; € 8 for 18–25 year olds and university students; € 14 includes Torre di Arnolfo.
PITTI PALACE COMPLEX
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.
Boboli Gardens
Just behind the Pitti Palace, Boboli is 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, October: 8:15am–6:30pm. June, July, August & September: 8:15am–7:30pm; Closed the first and last Monday of the month, January 1, May 1, December 25. Entrance: € 7 without exhibitions; € 10 with exhibitions (includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Boboli Gardens, Costume and Fashion Gallery, Porcelain Museum and Bardini Garden); Booking (optional): € 3.
Costume Gallery
Displays clothing including original garments worn by Eleonora di Toledo and Cosimo I.
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–7:30pm; Closed the first and last Monday of the month, January 1, May 1, December 25; Entrance: € 7 without exhibitions; € 10 with exhibitions (includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Boboli Gardens, Costume and Fashion Gallery, Porcelain Museum and Bardini Garden). Booking (optional): € 3.
Porcelain Museum
This museum contains ceramics from the factories of Sevre, Meissen and Vienna.
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–7:30pm; Closed the first and last Monday of the month, January 1, May 1, December 25; Entrance: € 7 without exhibitions; € 10 with exhibitions (includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Boboli Gardens, Costume and Fashion Gallery, Porcelain Museum and Bardini Garden); Booking (optional): € 3.
Treasury of the Grand Dukes
Holds collections of silver, ivory, gems and other precious objects owned by the Medici and Lorraine families.
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–7:30pm; Entrance: € 7 without exhibitions; € 10 with exhibitions (includes the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, Boboli Gardens, Costume and Fashion Gallery, Porcelain Museum and Bardini Garden); Booking (optional): € 3.
Modern Art Gallery
The gallery contains paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Tues–Sun: 8:15am–6:50pm: Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, December 25; Entrance: € 10 without exhibitions; € 13 with exhibitions (includes Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery); Booking (optional): € 3.
Palatine Gallery and Royal Apartments
An important collection of paintings from the 15th to the 17th century.
Tues–Sun: 8:15am–6:50pm; Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, December 25; Entrance: € 10 without exhibitions; € 13 with exhibitions (includes Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery); Booking (optional): € 3; The Royal Apartments are closed for maintenance every year in January.
San Marco Museum
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; Mon–Fri: 8:15am–1:50pm; Sat, Sun & holidays: 8:15am–4:50pm; Closed first, third and fifth Sundays and second and fourth Mondays of each month; Entrance: € 4; booking fee: € 3 (optional).
San Miniato al Monte Church
Beautiful marble facade in white and dark green marble; its interior is uniquely Florentine in architectural style.
Via Monte alle Croci – Tel. 055/2342731; Mon–Sat: 9:30am–1pm & 3–7:30pm; Sundays: 3–7:30pm; Entrance: FREE.
San Lorenzo Basilica
Church with a bare 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. 055/214042; Mon–Sat: 10am–5:30pm; Sundays: 1:30pm–5:30pm (Closed Sundays from November to February); Entrance: € 6.
SANTA CROCE COMPLEX
Santa Croce Basilica
A pantheon of famous Florentines rest here.
Piazza Santa Croce – Tel. 055/2466105. Mon–Sat: 9:30am–5:30pm; Holidays and Sundays: 2–5:30pm; Entrance: € 8 (includes access to entire complex).
Opera di Santa Croce Museum
Includes the Brunelleschi Chapel and Cimabue’s Crucifix. Access through the church.
Piazza S. Croce 16 – Tel. 055/2466105; Mon–Sat: 9:30am–5:30pm; Holidays and Sundays: 2–5:30pm; Entrance: € 8 (includes access to entire complex).
San Salvi Monastery
Home of Andrea del Sarto’s celebrated Renaissance Last Supper fresco.
Via di S. Salvi 16 – Tel. 055/2388603; Daily: 8:15am–1:50pm; Closed on Mondays; Entrance: FREE.
SANTA MARIA NOVELLA COMPLEX
Santa Maria Novella Church
Gothic church marked by impressive bold stone vaulting.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella – Tel. 055/219257; Mon–Thurs: 9am–7pm, Fri 11am–7pm, Sat: 9am–5:30pm until July, 9am–6:30pm for July and August; Sun: 1–5:30pm until July, 12pm–6:30pm for July and August; Entrance: € 5 (includes museum).
Santa Trinita Church
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; Mon–Sat: 8am–12pm & 4–6pm; Sundays: 8–10:45am & 4–6pm; Entrance: FREE.
Santissima Annunziata Church
The church houses a famous painting of the Annunciation.
Piazza SS. Annunziata – Tel. 055/266181; Mon–Sat: 7am–1pm & 4–6pm; Sun: 7am–2pm & 4–8:45pm; Entrance: FREE
SANTO SPIRITO COMPLEX
Santo Spirito Church
A modest 18th-century facade but a superb Renaissance interior marked by stained glass and painted altarpieces.
Piazza Santo Spirito – Tel. 055/210030; Daily: 10am–12:30pm & 4–6pm; Closed on Wednesdays; 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. 055/23885 / Bookings: 055/294883; Daily: 8:15am–6:50pm; Closed on Monday; Entrance: € 13.00; Booking fee: € 4 (optional). The museum will have special summer evening hours on Tuesdays from 7–10pm (beginning June 6 and ending September 26).
