Florence: Art, History and Boboli Gardens

The Arno flows through Florence from east to west; the historic centre covers 505 hectares. The river and city centre thus shape how you find your way around a city where art and history can be experienced in very different places. The historic centre is considered a unique social and urban work, shaped by enduring creativity. Its influence on architecture and the visual arts was significant, first in Italy and then throughout Europe.

During your stay, you can explore Florence through the themes that interest you most: historic cityscapes, museums, gardens, markets or time outdoors. When choosing a hotel, it is also worth keeping your plans for sightseeing in mind.

Gardens and Art History

The Boboli Gardens are an open-air museum featuring ancient and Renaissance sculptures. Their design was shaped by the Medici, giving rise to the Italian garden style that served as a model for many European courts. The gardens therefore bring together works of art and the history of garden design. Four entrances lead into the grounds: at Piazza Pitti, via the Annalena entrance at Via Romana 37/A, at Forte Belvedere and at Porta Romana. Check the access regulations before your visit.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s four Prigioni. The history of his David also leads to this gallery: the statue was moved there from Piazza della Signoria in August 1873. A visit to the Galleria thus brings together Michelangelo’s Prigioni and the history of David.

Museums with Different Areas of Focus

The Musei del Bargello comprise five independent institutions that together form a multifaceted museum complex devoted to Florentine art and history. Their historical scope extends from before the Renaissance, through it and beyond. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses more than 750 works spanning over 720 years of history. These two details offer different ways to plan a museum visit: the Bargello’s broad historical scope takes centre stage, while the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is distinguished by the number of works and the long period they span.

Explore the City on Foot

Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station is in the city centre, a five-minute walk from the cathedral. To reach Santa Croce from the station, walk through the historic centre; the journey takes about 20 minutes. For planning your day, it is easy to compare the walks from the station: five minutes to the cathedral and about 20 minutes to Santa Croce.

Santa Croce offers guided tours with its own staff, as well as an audio guide for independent visits. These are two different ways to explore the site. For tourist information, Feel Florence is the official tourism website and app for the City of Florence and the Metropolitan City of Florence.

Markets and Time Outdoors

The covered Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio houses food shops and opened in 1873. Separate from this are the small trattorias at Mercato Centrale, where you can sample a range of typical dishes. The two markets offer different ways to enjoy your stay, from grocery shopping to tasting local specialities.

Parco delle Cascine is used by locals and visitors for sports, walks and relaxation. If you want to explore Florence by bike, you can use the Bicipolitana to discover cycle paths around the city, in parks and along the riverbanks. Check the route maps and the status of completed sections before making your plans.

Discover more destinations:

Sambuca, Florence, Impruneta, Montelupo Fiorentino, Pelago, Pontassieve, Rignano Sull'arno, Rufina, San Casciano In Val Di Pesa, Scandicci, Sesto Fiorentino, Barberino Di Mugello, San Godenzo, Scarperia, Vicchio, Fiesole, Lastra A Signa, Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa, Signa, Campi Bisenzio, Incisa In Val D'arno, Capraia E Limite, Vaglia, Montecarelli, Petrognano, Il Castagno D'Andrea, Polvereto, Marcoiano, San Piero a Sieve, Paterno, Legri, Marcignana, Romita, Le Quattro Strade, Fucecchio, Chiocchio, Gambassi Terme, Empoli, Pian De' Cerri, Firenzuola, Cerreto Guidi, Polcanto, Palazzuolo Sul Senio, Reggello, Lazzeretto, Turignano, Londa, Calenzano, Vinci, Barberino Val D'elsa, Certaldo, Castelfiorentino, Montespertoli, Marliano, Marradi, Figline Valdarno, Greve In Chianti, Bagno A Ripoli, Borgo San Lorenzo, Le Vedute, Sant'Ansano, Pastine, Antella, Gigliola, Montefioralle, Massarella, Montaione, Dicomano, Monterappoli, San Mauro, Pinete, Gaville, Ostina, San Pierino, Meleto, Spedaletto, Linari, Bassa, Limite, Fontanella, Leccio, Gavena

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