From the Middle Ages to the present day, Piazza della Signoria, between Piazza del Duomo and the…read moreArno River, is the beating heart of the historic center of Florence with its distinctive L-shape, which my partner, our friends, family member, and I visited in mid-September. Palazzo Vecchio, the traditional seat of the Florentine government, with its distinctive tower, is yet another symbol of the city. In front stands a copy of Michelangelo's David (the original can be seen at the Accademia Gallery). One of the most impressive squares we've ever seen! The piazza looks like an outdoor museum, full of iconic statues and history in every corner. One can't miss the Fountain of Neptune that was commissioned to celebrate a Medici marriage. It is a colossal statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea and the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively with both tourists and locals, perfect to enjoy both during the day and at night. Definitely a must-see in Florence!

Nice gathering place next to Ponte Vecchio. There's a beautiful fountain here and plenty of places…read moreto gather and dine. I love these Italian palazzos!

Three stars for this OK bridge because the others along the Arno are cooler and more photogenic…read more This bridge was originally constructed in 1227 (which makes it older than the Ponte Vecchio) and was rebuilt in 1345 with nine arches, making it the longest in Florence. In August 1944, the bridge was destroyed by the retreating Germans as they withdrew before the advancing Allied forces in World War II. The replacement bridge was completed in 1953. While the new design is harmonious with the surrounding city, its modern design and construction materials do not mirror the shape of the prior bridge. [Review 17045 overall - 240 in Italy - 561 of 2022.]

Views of the Ponte Vecchio are impressive from here. The reflection of the bridge in the water is…read morebeautiful

This is the crossroad between Piazzale Michelangelo, Firenze Sud, Sant'Ambrogio, the bike paths,…read moreand lungarno. The best part of the piazza, as another reviewer stated, really is the walkway to Piazzale Michelangelo and the amazing views from the bridge. There is ample, but often hard to find street parking, an average but always rammed sushi restaurant Koko, and the notorious and easygoing Bobo Checkpoint. Anyone who knows me well knows why, if not just ask ;). You can have a reasonably filling aperitivo or a coffee, or catch a soccer match here on their enclosed patio. There are some benches and a small piazza for passing the time before heading to your destination.

Michelangelo's David is breathtaking in person! When we visited Florence, I thought the statue of…read moreDavid outside the Duomo was the authentic Michelangelo's David, and it actually is not. I think the Duomo area I reference may actually be the Piazza della Signoria. The real David statue is located at the Galleria dell-Accademia, or Accademia Gallery in Florence, and he stands almost seventeen feet tall at sixteen feet and 11.15 inches! David weighs in at 12, 478.12 pounds and he is made of solid marble stone! The sling on his left shoulder and the tree trunk behind his right leg were once covered with gold leaf, however, being outdoors in the elements in Piazza della Signoria for over 400 years washed the gold leaf away. I bet it was incredible to see the golf leafed version! In person at the Accademia Gallery, the statue is breathtaking! He is giant, and depicts the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel in the Bible. i love that Michelangelo decided to depict David before his battle with the giant Goliath, with the slingshot resting on his shoulder and the rock he will use, poised in his right hand not to mention the posture of David, poised and ready to defeat the giant! Do see David in person if you get the opportunity - see the original for certain and also the replica which you will pass often in the popular Duomo area of Florence Italy.

Statua del David Can't believe I just found this page. I…read morespent a lot of time in Florence enjoying the city. I love all the works of Michelangelo. Words are not coming. You must go! Get your photos I'll look for more of mine.

During our first few days in Florence, my husband kept talking about visiting the Piazzale…read moreMichelangelo. He wanted to see the gorgeous sunset above the Torre di San Niccolò, which I didn't believe until I saw it. It was quite a walk from our hotel, but I was convinced after our group bike tour around Florence. Our guide talked about the history of Torre di San Niccolò, and even though we didn't go up the actual tower, it was a cool spot to visit. I loved the waterfalls most of all, mentally capturing their beauty right before a grueling climb up the stairs to the Piazzale Michelangelo. The people who brought snacks and wine while waiting for sunset are geniuses. Next time. This wasn't one of my favorite experiences because I was so exhausted, but it lived up to my husband's expectations, and I'm happy if he's happy. I would do it again but come better prepared and earlier in the trip!

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most breathtaking landmarks I've ever visited…read more Pictures truly don't do it justice. The detail on the exterior is incredible, and seeing Brunelleschi's massive dome up close is something everyone should experience at least once. The entire area around the cathedral is beautiful and full of history, making it easy to spend hours exploring. Whether you're admiring it from the outside, going inside, or climbing to the top for the views, it's an unforgettable experience. If you're visiting Florence, this is an absolute must-see and one of the highlights of the city.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Also known as Florence Duomo, is the defining landmark of…read moreFlorence and one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world. Dominating the city skyline, it is instantly recognizable for Brunelleschi's magnificent dome, a masterpiece of Renaissance engineering and artistic vision. The exterior is eyecatching , with its intricate façade of white, green, and pink marble that feels both elegant and monumental. Standing in Piazza del Duomo, the scale of the cathedral is awe‑inspiring, especially when viewed alongside Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery. Inside, the cathedral is huge and relatively restrained compared to its ornate exterior. This simplicity emphasizes the immense size of the space. Climbing the dome was a highlight for sure although it nearly took out the hubs. Smile. Folks back in the day must have been tiny because there steps are so small and curvy. When you reach the top, you think you can walk out on the ledge for the spectacular panoramic views. No!!! You have to climb a ladder to get to the perimeter. Similar exhale to that of crossing the finish line at a marathon. The panoramic views are spectacular!

Along the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is one of the city's most noteworthy landmarks, lined with…read moreshops and rich in history. The Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge" in Italian) is a working part of Florence's daily activities. Crossing the bridge for the first time, what stands out immediately is how unusual it is. It feels like a narrow street or marketplace suspended above the water, sprinkled with small shops. This distinctive layout with shops built directly onto the structure has existed for centuries and gives the Ponte Vecchio a special character unlike any other bridge in Europe. The current bridge dates to the mid-14th century, rebuilt in 1345 after earlier versions were destroyed by floods. Over time, it has evolved from a practical commercial crossing into a symbol of Florence's artistic and cultural identity. Originally filled with butchers and traders, it was transformed during the Renaissance when the Medici decreed that only goldsmiths and jewelers could operate here. Today, virtually every retail type is featured.

There can be few sights that capture the alluring beauty of Florence better than the Ponte Vecchio,…read moremeaning "Old Bridge" in Italian, renowned for its timeless charm and history. Its soft yellow facade and mighty brick piers were gently illuminated under the soft light of the Tuscan sun and reflected in a perfect mirror image in the glassy waters of the river Arno, where my partner, our friends, family members, and I visited last Tuesday. First constructed in Medieval times, it was the only bridge across the Arno River up until 1218. Since the 13th century, shops have been populated with butchers, tanners, and fishmongers. The arrival of jewelers dates back to the late 16th century. As of today, 48 shops exclusively sell jewelry or high-end trinkets such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, and much more. One can even watch the goldsmiths craft their creations by hand through the shop windows. It does get crowded. We managed to escape the rain showers with the building covering. From the middle of the bridge at the plaza, one gets stunning views of the river and its surroundings. A must-visit spot for history, beauty, and atmosphere!

A beautiful area to walk through to get to the top of the hill, where Piazzale Michelangelo is…read morelocated. When we mapped out walking to Piazzale Michelangelo from the Point Vecchio area, it wanted us to take a different route, which would have been through neighborhoods, but we wanted to walk along the river, so we chose a route that was 2 minutes longer and it took us through here. This was gorgeous! Plenty of waterfalls, grottoes, and nice walkways up the hill. You'll want to stop a take lots of pics too!

After settling at our (new) hotel, we set off on foot to "where it's happening" and after walking a…read morefew blocks with some twists-and-turns down overly populated side streets, you make one last right turn and POW! - you're starstruck at these magnificent structures made eons ago. This church is so massive and detailed and stunning... the frescos alone could make a lapsed (cough) Catholic (cough) start to recite the rosary he hasn't said in over 40 years. It's a hard walk all the way up AND back down. Stay/be hydrated and not famished (I learned this the hard way). But, oh, this is so worth it. (Seeing this cathedral for the very first time up close left me utterly gob smacked - which also happened when seeing the sculpture of David, The Colosseum and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.) Amazing.

Bought the tickets online making a simple mistake, they would not change or reimburse... terrible…read moreservice. Plus all monuments are undergoing intense restoration, which leaves little to be available to the tourist.

25th Wedding Anniversary trip alert (European vacation)…read more.. The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a long, elegant structure designed in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari for the powerful Medici family, the gallery retains an air of purpose and grandeur, its corridors opening toward views of the Arno River and the city's historic skyline. The Uffizi collection is widely considered one of the finest in the world, particularly for Italian Renaissance painting, and includes works by masters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Iconic paintings like Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera feel both familiar and astonishing when encountered in person. Their scale are beyond belief. The depth and breadth of the gallery is a bit overwhelming, with dozens of rooms and hundreds of masterpieces, creating moments where wonderment converges with a bit of tiredness. What lingers most is the sense of continuity: the Medici legacy encapsulated every wall, and the feeling that one is walking through the very cradle of Renaissance thought. The building itself is stunning...frescoed ceilings, eye-catching statues, and glimpses toward Florence's landmarks. Uffizi Gallery reinforces the idea that art, history, and city are intricately connected. Prepare to take adequate time to view the exhibits

November 6, 2024 3:45-6:45PM…read more We initially didn't plan to visit but was told this is a must do in Florence. I'm glad we did. I love art museums and thought this was more religious artifacts but glad to see some of my new favorite paintings in person. Silly me! Upon entering the museum, there a lot of stairs to climb. Get your exercise in for sure! I did see a very tiny elevator a little bit hidden to the side, so they definitely can accommodate those needing accessibility but plan accordingly as the elevator was tiny, probably one stroller/wheelchair at a time. The Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Spring are both so amazing to see in person. The works of Caravaggio were very powerfully presented. The da Vinci, the Michelangelo, the Raphael... so many great artist and their works are housed here. Lots of Sweet Baby Jesus and the Madonna, various Adam and Eve paintings.. My favorite besides Botticelli's, was from Pietro Perugino's a Portrait of a young man.. the eyes, the emotions, almost the sadness... what a great painting. The various views from the Uffizi Galleries of Florence was also pretty amazing, from Ponte Vecchio, along the Arno River and the view of the city... so glad we went during sunset as I caught some pretty great shots with just my iPhone. I definitely think this is worth the stop and glad to have this as an impromptu visit. Got in pretty quickly without a reservation either, we were very lucky.