21 Famous Landmarks in Florence, Italy (100% worth a visit)
With 16 million visitors every year, Florence one of the most visited city in Europe and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The capital of Tuscany is a true museum-city and gathers 25% of the Italian artistic heritage!
Florence, which once housed famous artists such as Vinci and Botticelli, features some of the best museums in Italy, wonderful cathedrals and churches, as well as beautiful streets and squares that cannot be missed.
If you’re here, you might wonder what are the famous landmarks of Florence, right?
Well, here are 21 of the most famous landmarks in Florence Italy that make this city shine all over the world!
The Full List of the 21 Famous Florence Landmarks
We can breakdown the different famous landmarks Florence has to offer into 2 main categories: the famous buildings in one hand, and all the other famous monuments in the other hand.
🏛 Famous buildings in Florence:
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- The Baptistery of St. John
- Basilica di San Lorenzo
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
- Palazzo Medici Riccardi
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Bargello National Museum
- Uffizi Gallery
- Basilica of Santa Croce
- Pitti Palace
- San Miniato al Monte
🕍 Other famous Florence monuments:
- Piazza del Duomo
- Accademia Gallery
- Mercato Centrale
- Piazza della Repubblica
- Piazza della Signoria
- Ponte Vecchio
- Boboli Gardens
- Giardino Bardini
- Piazzale Michelangelo
So, here’s the list of the 21 famous Florence landmarks. To get more details & info about each of these landmarks, keep reading below 👇
Famous Buildings in Florence
Florence is a huge open air museum due to its glorious past shaped by brilliant artists such as Michelangelo or Da Vinci, but also by the Medici family which played an important role in making Florence the city it is today.
Let’s start with 12 of the most famous buildings in Florence Italy 🔥
1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
The most popular site in Florence is certainly the Duomo, also known as the Cathedral of Florence. Completed in 1436, its construction lasted 140 years and can now accommodate up to 20,000 people. It’s the 3rd largest cathedral in the world!
The exterior of the cathedral, made of green, pink and white marble, has several doors and statues that are worth a look. Inside, Brunelleschi’s dome, the biggest ever made in the world, is a true masterpiece that has to be seen once in a lifetime.
Entrance to the cathedral is free but take a ticket to climb the 463 steps to the top: the view of all of Florence is definitely worth it. The ticket will also allow you to go up to Giotto’s Campanile, to enter the Baptistery of St. John as well as the Crypt of Santa Reparata, all located on the Piazza del Duomo.
2. Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s Campanile Tower, which is also in Piazza del Duomo, is the bell tower of Florence Cathedral, that’s why they look alike.
The second floor was designed by architect Giotto. At first, Giotto planned to raise the tower to 110-115 meters, but he died in 1337 leaving it unfinished. Finally, the tour stands “only” at 85 meters, but is still an impressive and stunning construction.
Beautifully decorated, the Giotto’s Bell Tower has a special asset that makes it so popular. To discover it, visitors have to climb the 414 steps to the top. It’s at the end of this effort that you’ll be stunned by an incredible panoramic view of the whole city of Florence and its surroundings.
3. The Baptistery of St. John
Known as the “Gates of Paradise” because of its wonderful gilded bronze doors, the Baptistery of St. John is one of the oldest buildings in Florence.
Built in the 11th century in the Piazza del Duomo, it has the same green and white marble as the Cathedral of Florence and the Giotto’s Bell tower. This building has been the baptism site for many famous people of Florence, such as Dante.
It’s the most visited monument on the Piazza del Duomo after the Cathedral of Florence.
4. Basilica di San Lorenzo
Located only 4min walk from the Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is the mausoleum of the glorious Medici family and therefore has a political dimension.
Built by Brunelleschi, Florence greatest architect in the early 15th century, the basilica houses the 3 Medici chapels (Cappelle Medicee): the New Sacristy, the Chapel of the Princes and the Treasury.
Inside the basilica, there are also sculptures by Donatello and the Laurentian Library, famous for its staircase designed by Michelangelo. In short, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is an unmissable visit in Florence.
5. Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Located in the Santa Maria Novella district, a few steps from the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is the oldest in Florence, dating from 1360.
Although its facade recalls the Renaissance style, it’s a Gothic church that owes its fame to the fabulous frescoes it houses such as the Madonna of Cimabue. Visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is like meeting the greatest Florentine artists of the 13th and 16th centuries.
If you’re visiting the basilica, take time to discover the cute little streets of the neighborhood and have a coffee on a terrace. You’ll feel the Florentine vibe!
6. Palazzo Medici Riccardi
The Medici-Riccardi Palace is one of Florence Renaissance palaces. Built by Michelozzo for Como de Medici between 1444 and 1459, it was acquired by the Riccardi family in 1659.
Inside, a beautiful courtyard of Roman inspiration with a statue of Orpheus in the center overlooks a beautiful garden decorated with statues and terracotta pottery that is worth a visit.
Now, the palace is an important museum of the city and exhibits works of great artists.
7. Palazzo Vecchio
Located on the Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio was founded in 1299 to serve as the seat of the government of Florence.
During the reign of Cosimo I, the palace became the residence of the Medici family, and then took the name of Vecchio (“Old Palace” in English) when they moved to the Palazzo Pitti in the 16th century.
Today, the Palazzo Vecchio is the city hall of Florence. The building is impressive from the inside as well as the outside. With its 94 meter high tower and its richly decorated rooms, it’s a visit not to be missed in Florence!
8. Bargello National Museum
Housed in a former prison since 1865, the Bargello Museum is home to exceptional Gothic and Renaissance sculptures like Michelangelo’s Bacchus and Donatello’s David. It’s the most important Italian museum of sculpture.
While the artworks in the Bargello’s collection are world-class, the museum is often overlooked by most tourists, so it’s a great choice for art lovers sick of the crowds!
9. Uffizi Gallery
The Galleria Uffizi has the most important collection of Renaissance art in the world. It’s also the most visited museum in Italy with over 1.5 million visitors per year.
In this museum, you’ll find thousands of works by all the greatest Italian painters and artists, from the Middle Ages to the modern era: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Titian…
The building itself, built in the 16th century under Cosimo I, is an architectural gem. It was once the administrative offices of the rich Medici family.
10. Basilica of Santa Croce
Built in the late 13th century, Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in Italy and a major Florence landmark.
It houses the tombs of several important Florentines including Michelangelo and Dante, but also those of Machiavelli and Galileo.
The wide interior is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and remarkable frescoes. One of Brunelleschi’s most important works, the Cappella dei Pazzi, also enhances the beauty of the place. It also has a pretty interior garden.
11. Pitti Palace
With 6 museums and 3 gardens, the Pitti Palace is today one of the most important museums in Florence.
Built in the 15th century, initially for the Pitti family who were rivals of the Medici, it’s actually the Medici who took up residence here in the 16th century.
Inside the palace, you shouldn’t miss the Palatine Gallery and its 20 exhibition rooms where you can admire Raphael and Botticelli’s artworks among others. Visiting this palace is a nice experience after a stroll in the Boboli Gardens, located just next to it.
12. San Miniato al Monte
Located at the top of the hill of the same name a few minutes walk from the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city.
Besides being one of the oldest churches in the city, it’s also one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany.
Its façade made of Carrara marble and its interior filled with mosaics, paintings, frescoes and tombs make this church very charming.
Other Famous Florence Monuments
Besides the stunning buildings we’ve seen above, Florence is full of other types of monuments also attesting to its history that are definitely must-see landmarks such as squares, bridges or museums.
Let’s discover 9 of the most famous monuments Florence has to offer 🔥
13. Piazza del Duomo
Located in the heart of the Old Town, the Piazza del Duomo is the most important square in Florence and the tourists’ number one attraction.
In this square, you can admire the architectural complex of the Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Cathedral of Florence, the Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John and the Duomo Museum.
This square is often the first stop of the Florence itineraries and the best spot for photographers, both for the monuments incredible architecture and for the views of the city.
14. Accademia Gallery
The Galleria dell’Accademia is one of the most important museums of Florence, located just a few steps away from the Piazza del Duomo.
The Accademia Gallery owes its popularity to the presence of the massive David sculpted by Michelangelo. Measuring more than 4 meters high, the whiteness of its marble and the perfection of its proportions fascinate tourists from all over the world.
Composed of 9 rooms, the museum houses many artworks of Florentine masters as well as the museum of musical instruments.
15. Mercato Centrale
The Mercato Centrale is a covered market housed inside a 19th century building where you’ll find countless food stalls.
Accessible via the leather market near the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Mercato Centrale is divided into 2 floors, one with fruit and vegetable stalls, and a food court on the second floor.
It’s the perfect place to take a break to taste local food and buy some souvenirs.
16. Piazza della Repubblica
Located about 5 minutes walk from the Piazza del Duomo, the Piazza della Repubblica is one of the most important squares in Florence.
This huge rectangular square lined with noble 19th century buildings is easily recognizable by its huge arch and column in the center. It was once the location of the the forum during the Ancient times.
The main commercial streets are concentrated in the area surrounding the square, including the Via Vigna Nuova and the Via Tornabuoni.
17. Piazza della Signoria
Located just a few meters from Piazza della Repubblica, la Piazza della Signoria is one of the best monuments of Florence and another place not to be missed.
Considered as the historical political center of the city, this square is one of the most beautiful in Florence thanks to its statues and buildings surrounding it.
You can admire the magnificent marble fountain representing Neptune, the lion statue of the Marzocco, the Palazzo Vecchio, the equestrian bronze statue of Cosimo I and the Loggia dei Lanzi which served as a shelter for magistrates during ceremonies.
18. Ponte Vecchio
Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio was the first bridge in Florence spanning the Arno. It is also the only one that have survived from the medieval period in Florence.
As famous as the monuments that make Florence great, the Ponte Vecchio can be crossed through the Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway built for Cosimo I in 1565 and connecting the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti.
From the bridge, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Arno River and the surrounding landscape.
19. Boboli Gardens
Located just behind the Palazzo Pitti, these large Renaissance-style gardens founded in the 16th century are the perfect place to stroll away from the crowds of the city. It’s a major historical landmark in Florence.
With its shaded paths, ponds, fountains, statues and sculptures, the Boboli Gardens are often compared to the gardens of Versailles and offer a wonderful experience.
Fun fact: it was in the Boboli Gardens that potatoes, blackberries and other exotic fruits brought from all over the world were grown for the first time!
20. Giardino Bardini
Located a few steps from the Boboli Gardens, the Giardino Bardini is another typical Renaissance garden and one of Florence best kept secrets.
Often overlooked in favor of the Boboli Gardens, Giardino Bardini is however worth a visit. Set on 4 hectares and decorated with statues and fountains, the garden promises a charming stroll among the roses and wisteria as well as a breathtaking view of Florence.
21. Piazzale Michelangelo
Located in the Oltrarno district on the left bank of the Arno, the Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most famous places for its panoramic view of the whole city.
From this point of view, visitors can admire the dome of the cathedral, the Old Town and the Palazzo Vecchio from above.
In the square, you can also see a replica of the statue of David by Michelangelo, while enjoying a coffee. It’s definitely an unmissable attraction of Florence!
Congrats, you’ve been through all the 21 Florence famous landmarks 🎉
But wait before leaving, I have one more bonus right below 👇
Map of the Landmarks of Florence
To get the free map of the famous monuments in Florence Italy, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
More Landmarks in Italy
Want to discover more exceptional landmarks in Italy? Great, I have other posts that will be useful to you!
Here’s the complete guide of all the very best landmarks of Italy 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Italy
And you can also find other city-based landmarks guides:
- Famous Landmarks in Rome
- Famous Landmarks in Milan
- Famous Landmarks in Venice
- Famous Landmarks in Sicily
For more, you can also check all our Italy guides.
I hope you could’ve made your list of the must-see and do in Italy thanks to these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!
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