Florence, one of Italy's iconic cities, is home to the most renowned museums in the world. Amazing monuments in Florence also include public gardens, palaces, and cathedrals. If you're short on time, visit the top 21 monuments in Florence for an unforgettable trip to the city.
Planning your next vacation in Florence? Add these monuments in Florence to your itinerary for a one-in-a-lifetime experience in Italy's culturally enriched city.
The Florence Duomo is the largest brick dome ever built and can be seen from anywhere in the city. The exterior of the dome is decorated with beautiful mosaics. The interior is equally impressive, with intricate frescoes covering the walls and ceiling.
Interesting fact: It took about 142 years to complete the Florence Duomo.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Palazzo Pitti was built in the 15th century and is one of the largest palaces in Florence. It was originally the home of a wealthy Florentine family, but it eventually became the main residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
Interesting fact: The Laurentian Library housed in the palace can hold more than 1 million books!
Location: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Uffizi Gallery is home to many Renaissance masterpieces, including paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The gallery is located in the Piazzale degli Uffizi, a building commissioned by the Medici family in the 16th century.
Interesting fact: The gallery was originally built as a series of offices for government officials. It wasn't until the late 1600s that it was converted into an art gallery.
Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Boboli Gardens were created by Niccolò Tribolo for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1550 and span over 45 acres. The gardens are home to many statues, fountains, and grottoes.
Interesting fact: The garden has a secret passage that leads to a hidden room. The room was used as a hideout for exiled nobles during the Renaissance.
Location: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Accademia Gallery houses some of the world's most famous sculptures, including Michelangelo's Statue of David. It has many paintings by Renaissance masters, making it a truly remarkable place to visit.
Interesting fact: The statue of David was originally placed in a different location. It was moved to the Accademia Gallery in 1873 because it was too heavy for its foundation.
Location: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Formally called the Loggia della Signoria, the Loggia dei Lanzi is an arched gallery constructed in the 14th century. You see sculptures by iconic masters like Donatello, Giambologna, and Cellini inside the gallery.
Interesting fact: Michelangelo wanted to extend the Loggia dei Lanzi gallery along the sides of Piazza della Signoria. However, Cosimo I de’ Medici, Duke of Florence, didn’t sanction the plan as it would be too expensive.
Location: P.za della Signoria, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Palazzo Vecchio was built in the 13th century and served as the town hall for many years. The exterior of the building is very ornate, with a large clock tower and many statues.
Interesting fact: Palazzo Vecchio has many statues at its entrance, including a copy of the statue of David by Michelangelo.
Location: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Medici Chapel is the burial site of two of the most important members of the Medici family, Cosimo de' Medici and his son Lorenzo de' Medici. The chapel is decorated with works of renowned Italian artists.
Interesting fact: The Medici Chapel was designed by Michelangelo. He was only 26 years old when he designed it.
Location: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Museo del Bargello has a collection of Renaissance and Mediaeval sculptures and works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, Ghiberti and Leonardo da Vinci.
Interesting fact: The Museo del Bargello was once the headquarters of the city's police force and was also used as a prison.
Location: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Piazzale Michelangelo offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The square is also home to several monuments, including a replica of the Statue of David.
Handy tip: Take a car when you plan your visit here. The drive up to the square is breathtaking.
Location: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Basilica of Santa Croce is the burial place of some of the most famous people in Florence, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The basilica is huge, with intricate details everywhere you look.
Handy tip: The opening timings of the basilica vary every other day. Check if it's open when you're planning to visit.
Location: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built in the 14th century and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. It has a large dome that dominates the skyline of Florence.
Interesting fact: The dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the largest brick dome ever built.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Giotto's Bell Tower is one of the most iconic monuments in Florence. The Tower stands at an impressive height of 85 metres and is adorned with beautiful Gothic architecture. The Tower was completed in 1359 and has been a symbol of the city ever since.
Interesting fact: While it continues to be known as Giotto's bell tower, the artist only saw the first three years of its construction.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Baptistery is known for its three sets of bronze doors made by Andrea Pisano, Ghiberti and Michelangelo, each depicting scenes from the Bible.
Interesting fact: The Baptistery of St. John is known for its acoustics. If you stand in the centre and clap your hands, you will hear a resonance that lasts for over 10 seconds.
Location: Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Built in the 11th century, San Miniato al Monte has a Romanesque design. The basilica is also home to a beautiful garden with views of Florence.
Handy tip: The church is on a hill. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing on your day of visit.
Location: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi was built in the 15th century by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo for Cosimo de' Medici, the first ruler of the Medici dynasty. The Palazzo has a classical Renaissance design with a harmonious façade and symmetrical plan.
Handy tip: The Chapel of Magi, painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, is unmissable. Ensure that you see it on your visit.
Location: Via Camillo Cavour, 3, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was built in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Florentine Gothic architecture.
Interesting fact: The church was consecrated in 1420 and took almost 100 years to complete.
Location: P.za di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Basilica di San Lorenzo is a large church built in the 14th century and is considered one of the city's finest examples of Renaissance architecture.
Interesting fact: It is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Florence.
Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Piazza della Repubblica was originally built in the 13th century but has been remodelled many times. It is now a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Interesting fact: The square was the city centre in Roman times where official gatherings were conducted.
Location: Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Piazza della Signoria is located in the heart of the city. It is home to many important buildings, including the Palazzo Vecchio, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Fountain of Neptune.
Interesting fact: Many political events and rallies are organised at Piazza della Signoria.
Location: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
The Arnolfo Tower was built in the 13th century and is named after its architect, Arnolfo di Cambio. The Tower is 95 metres tall, decorated with sculptures of lions, eagles, and other animals.
Handy tip: Don't forget to see a panoramic view of Florence city from the Arnolfo Tower.
Location: P.za della Signoria, 2, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy. Find on map
Florence Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio are among the best monuments in Florence.
Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio and Medici Chapel are the most famous monuments in Florence.
Florence Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower and Arnolfo Tower are the best historical monuments in Florence.
Florence Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are popular monuments in Florence.
Click here to buy tickets to the best monuments in Florence.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence Duomo and Basilica of Santa Croce are the most visited monuments in Florence.
The months between May and September are considered the best time to visit top monuments in Florence.
Florence Duomo is the most iconic monument in Florence.
There are more than 21 monuments in Florence.
Palazzo Vecchio, the Baptistery of St. John and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore are the oldest monuments in Florence.
Arnolfo Tower and Piazza della Signoria are among the best free monuments to see in Florence.
Palazzo Vecchio is one of the biggest monuments to see in Florence.
