Florence is one of the most visited cities in Italy, it is considered the cradle of the Italian Renaissance and home to illustrious personalities and artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Amerigo Vespucci, Lorenzo De Medici, Cosimo De Medici, Filippo Brunelleschi, Sandro Botticelli, Pope Clement VII among many others.
Florence presents itself to its visitors as a true open-air museum with its squares and faithful buildings that testify to the history, art and architecture of the past. In fact, most of Florence’s churches, palaces and squares were designed and built by some of the most important artists of all time. And as if the beauty of its streets were not enough, Florence hosts the most important museums of Italy: Uffizi Gallery, Academy Gallery, the Museums of Palazzo Pitti, Museum of Palazzo Vecchio among others. Thanks to this wealth, the historic center of Florence has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
Due to the great number of attractions of great popularity that Florence offers, we recommend dedicating at least 2 days to it. You can visit it by walk, since the historical center is very accessible. Let’s see then: What to see and do in Florence in two days.
What to see in Florence
We will start our itinerary from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station as the main arrival point for most tourists.
1.- The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is located a few meters from the train station that bears the same name. We begin our tour in Florence by this beautiful Basilica of 1279. The marble facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is considered one of the most important of the Florentine Renaissance (1350 – 1470).
2.- The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Italian Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of the oldest churches in Florence, with documents mentioning it as early as 931. Its façade contrasts with the façades of the other churches and basilicas you will find in Florence, is presented in stone “simple”, without decorations. The only note of distinction: “Berta” the white head that is stranded on the wall.
3.- The Basilica of San Lorenzo
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is a true masterpiece, a wonderful museum if you wish. The Basilica of San Lorenzo is one of the oldest in Florence. It was consecrated in 393 to St. Lorenzo martyred by St. Ambrose, Vescovo of Milan.
The present Basilica was remodeled by the Medici family by the architect Filippo Brunelleschi from 1422 to 1446. In the following years Michelozzo and Antonio Manetti worked on it. Inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo, you will find a sacristy designed by Brunelleschi while the interior of the basilica was decorated by Donatello. The “new” sacristy preserves the tombs of Lorenzo the Magnificent and Giuliano de Medici designed by Michelangelo.
4.- The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The Cathedral of Florence is one of the masterpieces of man, it is the third church in the world after St. Peter in Rome and St. Paul in London. It is 153 meters long and 90 meters wide. It was consecrated in 1412 to Santa Maria del Fiore in honor of the flower symbol of the city of Florence.
5.- Seignory Square
The Seignory Square, in Italian Piazza della Signoria, is an important square in Florence, where you will find Palazzo Vecchio, the Loggia dei Lanzi, the Fountain of Neptune, the Court of Merchants, Palazzo Uguccioni, among other important buildings. You will also find one of the replicas of Michelangelo’s David.
6.- Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important museums in Italy. We recommend you visiting it early in the morning or just at lunch time when there are fewer people.
7.- Old Bridge (Ponte Vecchio)
The Old Bridge, in Italian Ponte Vecchio, is one of the most famous bridges in Italy and surely the best known in Florence. It has a long history,
It is the last point to visit during our first day in beautiful Florence. Ideal if you visit in the sunset with the reddish colors that surround the city. On Ponte Vecchio you will find many exclusive jewelry stores and businesses, enough people and beauty.
Where to sleep in the magnificent Florence?
If you have always wanted to sleep in a romantic hotel in Italy, you are in the perfect city and we have the perfect recommendation for you: the Brunelleschi Hotel, which takes after the master Filippo Brunelleschi, has the most romantic and charming stay for you. You can choose your room with a view on the Brunelleschi Dome, or opt for a Jacuzzi on your balcony. Very romantic.
Check out the Brunelleschi website and book your delightful stay in the center of Florence, just 2 minutes’ walk from the cathedral!
