15 iconic Florence landmarks and historical sights

Florence’s history as the epicenter of architecture, science, politics, commerce, and art has imprinted on the city’s skyline and topography. The entire old town is a UNESCO heritage site, and it’s impossible to wander through Florence without coming upon sights of historical and architectural importance. Discover the birthplace of the Renaissance through Florence’s most celebrated landmarks, from the stunning Duomo to the fairytale feel of the Ponte Vecchio.

Historic and architectural landmarks in Florence

1. Brunelleschi’s Duomo

By far the city’s most important architectural landmark, Brunelleschi’s momentous cupola, or dome, perched atop the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore has dominated the Florence skyline since the 15th century.

Highlights:

Climb the Duomo’s 463 steps to be rewarded with panoramic views of Florence. The interior is decorated with spectacular frescoes and stained glass.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Florence. Open Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-7:45 PM, Saturday, 8:15 AM-5:30 PM, Sunday, 12:45 PM-5:30 PM.

2. Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze

Synonymous with Florence, and without doubt one of the most famous sculptures in history, no trip to the city is complete without seeing Michelangelo’s 16-foot masterpiece, the David. Take a tour of the Accademia Gallery for an up-close encounter with this must-see historic landmark.

Highlights:

This gallery is one of the best art museums in Florence. While in the Accademia Gallery, you can see other world-famous Renaissance artworks by Uccello, Botticelli, and Lippi, among others.

Address and opening hours:

Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 AM-6:20 PM. Closed Mondays.

3. Basilica de Santa Croce

Another must-visit Florence landmark, the 13th-century Basilica de Santa Croce, is home to 4,000 works of art, including important pieces by Donatello and Brunelleschi.

Highlights:

The Basilica also houses the tombs of many famous Italians, among them Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli, and Galileo.

Address and opening hours:

Largo Piero Bargellini, 20, 50122 Florence. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:30 PM, Sunday, 12:30 PM-5:45 PM.

4. Giotto’s Bell Tower

The most famous views of the city can be admired from Giotto’s Bell Tower, a key architectural landmark of Florence since 1359. Its breathtaking views are not all this impressive structure has to offer: learn all about its history with a tour of the bell tower, baptistery and duomo museum.

Highlights:

Admire 16 stunning white marble Renaissance statues housed inside. These were sculpted by Donatello and Bartolo, among others.

Address and opening hours:

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Florence. Open daily 8:15 AM-6:50 PM.

5. Palazzo Vecchio

One of Florence’s most iconic historic landmarks, the Palazzo Vecchio was the seat of government and center of civil power for centuries. Explore the hidden corners of this major Florence landmark with a tour of its secret passages.

Highlights:

The highlight is the Salon Cinquecento, a huge hall with beautiful frescoes on the walls and ceilings.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence. Open Friday-Wednesday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM, Thursday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.

6. Jewish Museum and Synagogue

One of southern Europe’s largest synagogues, this beautiful building and the home of Florence’s Jewish Museum is visible from afar thanks to its green copper dome.

Highlights:

A beautiful example of Moorish architecture, the inside is breathtakingly ornate with stunning Jewish ceremonial art.

Address and opening hours:

Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 6, 50121 Florence. Open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM-5:00 PM. Closed Fridays and Saturdays.

7. Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Florence’s first great basilica and a stunning mixture of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, Santa Maria Novella, has been standing since 1360. Inside, you can see works by Giotto, Girlandaio, and Masaccio. Take a tour of Santa Maria Novella to discover the Basilica’s many secrets.

Highlights:

Entry to the basilica includes another famous Florence historical landmark—the fascinating pharmaceutical workshop, which has been creating perfumes since the 1300s to the present day.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Florence. The Basilica is open Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.

8. Orsanmichele

Florence has a rich history of artisan trade, supported by its strong network of guilds. The Orsanmichele Church was built by these guilds and was an important symbol of their power and influence.

Highlights:

The church is famed for its magnificent sculptures of saints placed in the tabernacles, each one representing a different guild.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Florence. Open Saturday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and Monday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Scenic and natural landmarks in Florence

9. Piazzale Michelangelo

Perhaps Florence’s most famous scenic landmark, the Piazzale Michelangelo, is a square located on a hillside in the Oltrarno district, on the south bank of the Arno. Climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy some of the most impressive views of Florence.

Highlights:

The square features replicas of some of Michelangelo’s most important works, including a bronze reproduction of David.

Address and opening hours:

Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Florence. Open 24/7.

10. Giardino delle Rose

Just below the Piazzale Michelangelo is the lovely Giardino delle Rose, a relaxing rose garden boasting 400 varieties of roses and stunning views of the city. This green spot is an attractive natural landmark and an ideal place for a picnic.

Highlights:

Check out the beautiful Japanese garden designed by the Japanese architect Yasuo Kitayama.

Address and opening hours:

Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Florence. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM, Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

11. Piazza della Signoria

Traditionally the center of Florentine power and home to the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria is one of Florence’s most beautiful squares and an impressive scenic landmark. It is particularly famous for its statues.

Highlights:

Look out for Cellini’s famous statue of Perseus with the head of Medusa, inspired by Greek mythology.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence. Open 24/7.

12. Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio is another iconic Florence landmark and Europe’s oldest stone bridge, dating back to 1345. Today, the Ponte Vecchio is known for the shops built along it, among them antique stores, jewelers, and art sellers. See the bridge from a unique perspective with this cruise of down the River Arno, and learn of the bridge’s captivating history.

Highlights:

Admire the bridge’s picturesque stone arches by night when it is beautifully illuminated.

Address and opening hours:

Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Florence. Open 24/7.

13. Boboli Gardens

A fascinating mixture of wilderness and architecture, the Boboli Gardens were designed for Cosimo I de Medici in 1562. The gardens abound with statues, fountains, grottoes, rich vegetation, and woods.

Highlights:

You can see a panorama of the city from the top of the gardens. Bring a picnic and gaze at the views.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza dei Pitti, 50125 Florence. Open daily 8:15 AM-6:30 PM.

14. Piazza Santo Spirito

The lively Piazza Santo Spirito is located in the alternative Oltrarno neighborhood and is a classic Florence landmark. Home to the Santo Spirito Basilica and the Palazzo Guadagni, it’s an architecturally significant landmark and also home to a market and many bars and cafes, which contribute to its vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights:

Inside the Basilica di Santo Spirito, look for a wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Santo Spirito, 50125 Florence. Open 24/7.

15. Bardini Gardens

Quieter than the more crowded Boboli Gardens, the beautiful Bardini Gardens offer a green oasis away from the bustle of the city. This natural landmark dates back to the Renaissance when the gardens were private, they were restored and open to the public at the start of the 21st century.

Highlights:

Visit in April-May to see the famous wisteria pergola, a tunnel of spectacular purple flowers that bursts into blossom every spring.

Address and opening hours:

Via de' Bardi, 1, 50125 Florence. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

FAQs

What is the oldest historic landmark in Florence?

The Pagliazza Tower is one of the best places to visit in Florence, and is the oldest surviving building in its historical center, dating back to the 6th century. It miraculously retains its original structure and appearance.

What are the best museums in Florence?

Get the lowdown on Renaissance history with a visit to some of the best museums in Florence. For art, you can’t skip the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze. Museo Galileo is dedicated to the work of astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei, and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is the perfect place in Florence to visit if you have kids.

What are some free landmarks to visit in Florence?

You can wander the streets of Florence, taking in many of its architectural wonders for nothing. Cross the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), hike up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, or visit one of the twelve Medici villas on the city’s outskirts, all for free.

How can I get the best views of scenic landmarks in Florence?

The hills surrounding Florence are a great place to see panoramic views of the city. The Piazzale Michelangelo is the most famous viewpoint—hike a bit further up the hill to reach the less crowded San Miniato al Monte.

What are some natural landmarks near Florence worth visiting?

Florence is surrounded by exquisitely beautiful countryside, making Tuscany one of the city’s best hidden gems. Get out of the hustle and bustle and visit the Tomboli di Cecina nature reserve, or head north to reach the Parco Alip Apuane, a breathtaking area of Alpine beauty. While there, check out the Grotto del Vento, with its spectacular limestone formations.