What to see in Florence.
Believe it or not there are three David's in Florence. The original, sculptured in 1501 by Michelangelo at the age of 26, was moved inside to the Accademia from Piazza Signoria in 1873 to prevent damage from the weather. However this did not stop one hot-headed visitor causing significant damage in 1991 when Piero Cannata chopped off David's left toe with a gemstone hammer. It was subsequently stuck back on and security tightened up. You can queue or book tickets online, or check out the copy standing in Piazza Signoria for free , or climb up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo to see the bronze version. The Accademia is open every day except Monday, 08:15-18:50 with the last booking for 17:30.
Giotto, Fra Angelico, Lippi, Botticelli, Correggio, Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo The list goes on and on. Perhaps the most famous art history museum in the world with a collection second only to that of the Vatican. Built between 1560-1580 the collections began with Giorgio Vasari, and were added to over the years by dukes and the Medici clan, more dukes and finally the Italian state. Closed on Mondays, the last bookings are taken up to 4.45pm. Needs a day on it's own to get round.
Construction began in 1296 of Florence's famous cathedral, with an adventurous design incorporating a dome whose size had not been attempted since the building of the Pantheon. One man rose to the challenge in 1418, Filippo Brunelleschi , who during the whole process managed to invent various new construction methods as well as take part in a war or two. The glorious neo-gothic façade was only recently completed during the 19th C. The interior is not to be missed either with incredible frescoes and Donatello's stained glass windows. Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 1pm-5pm Sunday and religious holidays. The cathedral entry is free but there is a charge to enter the Baptistry and the Cupola (Dome).
This is the museum of artworks used over the years on the Baptistry and pieces from inside the Cathedral. Artworks include pieces by Michelangelo , Donatello, and Lorenzo Ghiberti's famous original baptistry doors. Opening hours are 9am-6.50pm (April-October), 9am-6.20pm (November-March), closed Sunday's, New Years, Easter and Christmas.
More of the Medici clan's grand designs. These were designed by Tribolo between 1550-1558 and formed the basis for all European royal gardens from then on, including Versailles. A grand oasis in the city filled with landscaping, statues, fountains and open areas to take a relaxed stroll. It was opened to the public in 1776. Still open to the public today entry is through the Palazzo Pitti, usually from 9am, there is a charge, and closes one hour before sunset.
This magnificent palace, another Brunelleschi masterpiece, was bought unfinished by the Medici family in 1550 when they felt the need to move from the more defensive looking Palazzo Vecchio. They enlarged the already extensive building and developed the gardens behind. The residential rooms of the ducal family have now been transformed into highly regarded art galleries , including collections of silver, modern art, porcelain and costumes. The galleries all have their own opening times but generally are open from 8:15am until 13:50pm except the Palatine, Museo degli Argenti and the Porcelain which close at 19:30 during the summer. Entry fees vary but there are some multiple passes available.