Where to see Florence’s best art

Birthplace of the Renaissance and once ruled over by the Medici family, Florence is renown as one of Europe’s great capitals of art. Here are some recommendations so you can appreciate Florence’s masterpieces for yourself. 

Florence is truly a city of the past with an artistic heritage that has been luring art lovers for centuries. From quaint and romantic hidden spots to Florentine culinary magic and stunning cityscape, there are many reasons to visit this multi-faceted Tuscan paradise. But the one that tops the list is the city’s incomparable paintings, sculptures, and architectures. In order for you to enjoy the genius works of arts in the city deemed as the UNESCO World Heritage, we’ve master-crafted a list of destinations that houses some exquisite artworks.

The Best Artworks in Florence

• Encounter everlasting wonders at Uffizi Gallery

  Uffizi Gallery is an enormous museum that shelters a world-class collection of original sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to Modern period. Originally designed by Giorgio Vasari the opulent Uffizi is a marvel inside and out. But its core is the Renaissance collection of the magnum opuses by unparalleled artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. The visit is made more convenient with the audio-guides and multilingual guidebooks available from the bookshop at the entrance.

• Symbol of Florentine Republic: Piazza Della Signoria

  The L-shaped Piazza Della Signoria is the hub of the Renaissance and boasts of a historic, cultural punch. It houses spectacular statues designed by some of the most famous Florentine artists whose master-works grace the square and the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi (an open-air gallery). From the well-known sculpture of David by Michelangelo to Marzocco sculpted by Donatello to Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli, the visitors can appreciate the copies of acclaimed masterworks free of cost.

• Reminisce the Renaissance beauty at the Accademia

  Another must-visit museum in Florence that is adorned with precious artistic masterworks, the Accademia Gallery attracts art aficionados to feast on treasured works of Renaissance art and sculpture. From the highly-celebrated sculpture masterpieces by legendary artists to the panoply of forty musical instruments, the museum tastefully exhibits mankind’s artistic ingenuity for aeons. Tickets are only 12 euros with audio guides available for an additional 6 euros.

• The Palazzo Pitti: A complete art complex

  The Palazzo Pitti is an epitome of Renaissance architecture with symmetrical structure, wide arches, and rusticated stone pillars with the largest concentration of the marvelous paintings by none other than Raphael, the world-renowned artist. Also, what makes it absolute heaven for art connoisseurs is the fact that the palace is an abode to six important museums in Florence. Enjoy the visit to the grand museums with year–round 50% special discount off the ticket when you buy it before 9 am and enter by 9:25 am.

• The Duomo of Florence Cathedral

  The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a tourist attraction within itself, but it’s it large terracotta dome that secures it a spot on this list. More than a church and a museum, the Duomo is the city’s most recognisable building as it dominates the city skyline creating a striking, cultural monument. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the dome structure was completed in 1436 make it an important icon of the Renaissance. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed!

• The Palazzo Vecchio: A gallery of statues

  The town hall of Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio looks more like a castle from a Medieval fairytale than an active seat of local government. With its skyward reaching tower, halls of artwork and stunning views overlooking the Arno River,  the Vecchio is an important and interesting component of Florence. Its halls include frescoes done by Domenico Ghirlandaio, geographical maps designed by the great Giorgio Vasari and hidden drawings of Leonardo da Vinci (or so some say). Once you’ve finished admiring the different works inside, head up to the tower for vast views of the city, or to the square to get a closer look at the city’s most impressive fountain.

• Visit the Cappelle Medicee

  The Medici’s were a powerful banking family who gained particular prominence in the first half of the 15th century and onwards. The family were also avid art collectors and encouraged the city’s prestige in all Renaissance art forms. This can be seen throughout Florence but also in the Medici Chapels that are named after the family. A mini-masterpiece, the chapels symbolise the Medici’s long and powerful legacy. They act as the family’s crypt, housing the remains of many of the Medici clan, including Lorenzo the Magnificent, Cosimo the Elder and more.

• Wander the Bargello National Museum

  Also known as the Palazzo del Bargello, this museum is a former barracks and prison, where executions would take place in the yard and police used it as their headquarters until 1859. Now an art museum, the Bargello is one of the oldest buildings in Florence and deserves a visit for its peculiar history and architecture alone. Housing one of the city’s best sculpture collections, the museum also has the Donatello’s famous lion painting, symbolising the power, pride and independence of the Florentine Republic.

Related article: The most famous Florentines