Florence is the heart of Tuscany, but it is also the heart of the Italian Renaissance and one of the artistic capitals of the world. Come to Florence for the sheer beauty of the city and to see the works of the masters – Botticelli, Michelangelo, Donatello and more.

Florence Travel: Attractions

The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)

Florence’s tallest building is a richly decorated cathedral and one of Florence’s oldest buildings with bronze doors dating back to the 4th century. The Cathedral was completed in 1463 and is the fourth largest church in the world.

The Campanile (bell tower)
Bands of pink, green and white marble inlays decorate this 275 ft tower designed by Giotto. Climb the 414 stars to get a birds-eye view of Florence

Santa Croce This Florence attraction contains the tombs of many famous Florentines, notably Michelangelo and Galileo. It has been likened to Westminster Abby because of all the notable Italians entombed here.

The Galleria de l’Accademia
This museum houses one of the most famous artworks in the world, Michelangelo’s David. There are other Michelangelo sculptures and the other holdings are mainly religious paintings by major artists working in and around Florence between the mid-13th and the late 16th centuries.

The Uffizi Gallery

was built in the 1500s thanks to the wealty Medici Family. It contains such great works as The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, the Holy Family by Michelangelo and so much more; it is a must-see.

Pitti Palace
Home to several museums, this Florence attraction was once built for banker Luca Pitti, a Medici rival, His heirs ran out of money trying to complete the palace. Ironically it was then bought by a Medici, who expanded it further. The palace holds the Galleria Palatina, which displays an impressive collection of 16th and 17th century paintings and murals.; the Appartamenti Reali the royal apartments; Museo Degli Argenti, which displays glassware and other items owned by the Medicis; Galleria d’Arte Moderna, 19th and 20th century Italian paintings; Galleria de Costume, women’s clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries ; and Museo delle Carrozze, a carriage museum.

The Boboli Gardens
are a fine example of a Renaissance garden and a place to relax for a few minutes from sightseeing.

We have barely scratched the surface of this wonderful Florence attraction. This city is indeed made for anyone who loves beauty.

Florence Travel: Festivals

January – Chocolate Fair
Florence’s annual Chocolate Fair offers tasty confections aplenty. Sample some of the finest chocolate in the world at this sweet festival.

Easter Sunday – The Explosion of the Cart ( scoppio del carro)
From Porta Prato to the Duomo, a cartload of fireworks is pulled by white oxen. The whole cart is set ablaze by a mechanical dove in a spectacular display of lights.

Ascension Day – The Festival of the Cricket (Festa del Grillo)
Dating back to Pagan times, this Florentine tradition takes place in Cascine Park. Vendors sell caged crickets to revelers, who then release them onto the grass. This ritual celebrates the days when men placed a cricket on the doorstep of their lovers to serenade them.

May-early Jul May Musical Festival (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino)
A major music festival with orchestra, chorus and Corps de Ballet

Late June – Costume Football Game (Calcio Storico Fiorentino)
One of Florence’s major events the football (soccer) game is drawn from an ancient Roman ritual. Before the games, a dazzeling historic parade wends its way through the streets of the town. And like Siena and the famous Palio, each of Florence’s historic four quarters sponsors a team.

Early September- Festival of the Lanterns (La Rificolona)
Torchlight procession dating back to the days of religious pilgrimage to celebrate the Virgin’s nativity, with children carrying lanterns all throughout the city.

November Florence Marathon
An annual city marathon and half marathon from Piazzale Michelangelo to Piazza San Croce.

Tuscany Tourism Website

Current Weather in Tuscany

Florence Travel: Restaurants

Tavernetta Della Signoria $$
A charming Florence restaurant that seats 125. Located right near the Uffizi and the Piazza della Signoria, this restaurant serves Tuscan and International fare. It has an extensive wine list.
Via de’ Neri 57/r.
Tel: 055 288951

Don Chisciotte $$$
Very good food prepared with an international flair. The fish specialties are great. Large wine list.
Via Ridolfi Cosimo, 4/R
Tel: 39-055 475430

Trattoria Mamma Gina $$
We love this unpretentious, but lovely Florence restaurant. It is not expensive, and the food is outstanding.
Borgo S.Jacopo, 37/r (Old Bridge) Florence
Tel: 39 55 239 6009

Enotria $$
Because of a passion for wine and good cuisine, Gilda and Maurizio transformed the wine bar they had created in 1989 into this wine cellar & restaurant. They named it Enotria, meaning land of wine, the original name of their country. Quality and tradition are the characteristics of the cuisine. Adding to the charm, the restaurant’s walls are a gallery of well-known and lesser-know artists work. This restaurant won the Best Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2006.
Via delle Porte Nuove, 50
Tel: 39 0-55-354-350

La Giostra $$$
Expensive but out of this world cuisine and fabulous atmosphere. They have a way with mushrooms (fungi) here. Pasta with truffles is exceptional.
Near Santa Croce
Borgo Pinti 12/r
Tel: 055 241341
Closed on Sunday

Trattoria Garga $$
Located on the ground floor of a 14th century palazzo, this wonderful Florence restaurant offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with brightly colored walls and modern, lively décor. The veal with avocado is a taste treat. But you will be happy with anything you order at this excellent restaurant that uses only quality, seasonal ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs and produce. Sharon Oddson, chef and owner (along with her husband Giuliano Garga) shares her restaurant’s signature recipes at her own cooking school.
Via del Moro 48/R
Tel: 055 2398 898

Acqua Al 2 $$

(Pronounced Agua al duo) This Florence restaurant is very popular for good reason; they serve good food at reasonable prices. Their signature dish is steak with balsamic. I suppose that it is because of their popularity that they have opened a restaurant in San Diego, CA and look to franchise their restaurant as well.
via del l’Acqua Ni 2
Tel: 39 055 284 170
Closed on Sunday