Florence is a fiery-roofed hub of Renaissance history. Amidst the terracotta roofs and Gothic towers, the city cradles tales of the all-powerful Medici family and ceilings adorned with frescoes. Florence has long been associated with investments in art and culture, the evidence of which has lingered across centuries. And if you were to follow the Arno River, you’d snake your way into the iconic neighboring countryside — the world-renowned hills of Tuscany.
Its accessibility is undeniable, and the compact center leaves it incredibly suited to those craving cultured breaks in Italy. However, Florence pioneers value far greater than a reasonably-priced long weekend. There’s a disparity between the city’s true soul and the empty-hearted deals that appear on Skyscanner and in travel agent windows. So, what is Florence, Italy, known for? This guide contains all the information that discerning travelers need to truly get to grips with this beautiful Tuscan capital.
Where Is Florence Located?
Florence is set approximately 90 km inland of Pisa and straddles the two banks of the Arno River. It is located in Northern Italy and is the capital of Tuscany, a region with 10 different provinces and a reputation for wine and oil cultivation.
International visitors will likely access Florence via the Amerigo Vespucci Airport, while those traveling within Europe have the additional option of using train services. It is well-connected by air and rail; Florence is an extremely accessible city to visit in Italy.
Why Travelers Should Carefully Consider Florence’s Location
It’s important to confidently answer the question, “Where is Florence.” Why? For one, it ensures visitors know what to expect.
The fact that Florence is situated inland attracts a different crowd to the typical haunts of the Italian coastline. While sunbathers flock to the Amalfi Coast and shorelines of Sicily, Florence has a distinctly separate identity. Instead of beaches, the city provides access to lakes, rivers, forests, and olive groves. Step away from its urbanized culture, and you’re greeted by rural solaces of greenery and cultivation.
Understanding this city’s location is also not merely a question of logistics. Researching the Tuscan capital’s location provides inspiration for day trips.
Did you know that Tuscany has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites? One of these is centered right in the city center; Florence Cathedral is a gorgeous architectural spectacle. Yet the others are scattered across the region. Venture to scenic Val d’Orcia, with its olive oil estates and rolling hills dotted with cypress trees. Or take the hour-long rail trip to Pisa — admiring the lopsided grandeur of its Leaning Tower before retreating back to Florence’s more uniform architectural feats.
Research Florence and its surroundings, utilizing nearby destinations to embellish your trip. Tuscany is better connected than many initially believe.
Famous Things Florence Is Known For
Introducing Florence is as effortless as the city is elegant. Meet Florence, Italy, famous for art, culture, and cuisine. However, those seeking more in-depth experience are driven by a desire to break through those surface-level stereotypes. And if you fall into that (extra-curious) category, then these are the famous aspects of Florence to remember.
1. Its Dual Name
By now, it’s time for you to embrace Florence on a first-name basis. Ask any Italian about this Northern-lying city, and you’ll come to an amusing realization: Florence has two names. International visitors refer to it as Florence, but Italians call it Firenze.
Both words derive from an original name; the Romans initially christened the city as Florentia — aka “to bloom.” Some cite that pleasant meaning as a nod to the agricultural fertility of Tuscany’s countryside. Others suggest that the city’s founding coincided with Floralia, a festival celebrating the goddess of flowers.
Regardless of Roman reasoning, though, dual identity is central to Florence’s aesthetic. That extra layer of complexity speaks volumes of the culture beneath its scenic streets.
2. Florence Cathedral (And Its Orange Domes)
Florence Duomo is protected by UNESCO status. The precious architectural landmark sits head-and-shoulders above the surrounding network of terracotta roofs. A 600-year-old icon, it provides the “money-shot” image that photographers and travel industry professionals alike utilize to tout the city. The Duomo is easily amongst the most famous things in Florence — if you haven’t heard of it, you’ll almost certainly recognize it. This building is an integral part of Florence’s cityscape.
Envisioning the all-too-common reality of a quick wander around wooden pews? The “Duomo” surpasses expectations, providing architectural, religious, and aesthetic insights into Florence. Climb the 463 steps of Brunelleschi’s Dome for 360-degree views over Florence. Then, tackle the 414 steps up the adjoining Bell Tower for a slightly different perspective.
3. The Renaissance
On the topic of Florence Cathedral, its value doesn’t just boil down to good looks. The landmark is heavily linked to the Medici family, a renowned group of bourgeois aristocrats that ruled the city (and later wider Tuscany) from 1434 to 1737. As significant investors in the arts, the Medici are considered pioneers behind the Renaissance movement — a phrase you’ve very likely heard of.
The idea that “Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance” is thrown around without much explanation as to why that is. At its most fundamental level, this movement marked the transition out of the Middle Ages and an artistic rebirth. This was propelled by an investment in intellect, like Brunelleschi’s woodless dome, rather than religion. The Medici spurred the growth of these ideals in Florence, and the Renaissance spread across Europe.
The Duomo is one symbol of this period: a beautiful tip of a humongous historical milestone. Yet traces of the Renaissance linger throughout the city; it’s a big reason why Florence is so famous.
4. Artwork
As vague as it sounds, “artwork” is a valve in the heart of Florence. Visitors are graced with an ample selection of galleries, including Uffizi with its famed painting, The Birth of Venus. There truly is artwork at every turn — from the bridges reconstructed after destruction in WWII to Michelangelo’s sculptures at Cappelle Medicee. The creativity in the city is on constant display, from top to bottom, and in galleries versus on the streetside.
With the Medici’s investments, art flourished over their three centuries of rule. Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and even the poet Dante are significant names that arose from the city’s streets. Since then, Florence has retained its reputation for the arts, aided by its label as the “Birthplace of Renaissance.” Literature, landmarks, sculptures, and paintings — it remains a place to learn about art history and witness revered pieces first-hand.
5. Tuscan Cuisine
It would be remiss to overlook Florence and its location. The city might even take its name from the fertility of its surrounding countryside; is it any wonder that the Tuscan cuisine is so adored? The region is associated with exceptionally high-quality olive oils and wines. Florence is seen as a gateway to the rolling hills of rural Tuscany and all its agricultural estates.
Walk its streets and prioritize dining at restaurants utilizing locally-grown ingredients. Take food tours and cooking classes. You can even book day trips to countryside estates; Val d’Orcia is under two hours away by car. It’s worthwhile noting that the best time to visit Florence is around October should visitors wish to embrace the official harvest season.
Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors
Florence has a multi-faceted identity. Its famous characteristics stretch from art to historical movements, leaving a lot to unpack for first-time visitors. There is just such a long list of possible attractions to fill a Florence itinerary — and that’s before you begin considering day trips and excursions into the countryside.
Most travelers have just a few prize spots on their three or four-day break in Florence, so how do you choose? Here are the must-see attractions for first-time visitors.
1. Tombs of the Medici
Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123, Firenze, FL, Italy
With an understanding of how integral the Medici family was to Florence and its development, their resting place is hardly a shocking itinerary addition. Their influence wasn’t just contained in Tuscany; family members became popes and even married into European royalty. Visiting the tombs of the most poignant members is a non-negotiable activity for any first-time visitor to Florence. It’s about visiting the leaders behind the Renaissance movement and embracing the true history of Florence.
Cappelle Medicee is a domed landmark. Its exterior is surprisingly unsuspecting, yet inside, the attention to detail is stunning. A crypt adjoins an elaborate chapel adorned with splinters of marble and a dramatic fresco ceiling. The landmark is even entrusted with Michelangelo sculptures.
2. Ponte Vecchio
Address: Ponte Vecchio, 50125, Firenze, FL, Italy
Do you recall that the vast majority of Florence’s bridges were destroyed during WWII? Amidst this tragedy, there was a lone survivor: Ponte Vecchio.
Ponte Vecchio is a beautiful bridge, originally constructed in the 13th century but rebuilt in the 14th after flooding damage. Since then, it has stood as an iconic landmark in Florence. As a covered bridge, it most notably houses vendors — who set up shop in colorful stone-built stores along its sides. Originally, these stores would have included practical venues like butchers. Yet that changed in 1593, when the then-ruler, Ferdinand I, announced that only jewelers and goldsmiths could sell on the bridge. Talk about maintaining a reputation.
Since then, Ponte Vecchio is believed to have been personally exempted from destruction by Adolf Hitler. When Florence’s other eleven bridges were destroyed during the Nazi’s retreat, this jewelry-selling landmark survived. Now, it remains one of Florence’s best attractions for first-time visitors. Walk, shop, and soak in its fascinating tale.
3. Florence Duomo
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 50122, Firenze, FL, Italy
Florence Duomo is so influential that it achieves a second mention. Why wouldn’t you visit the city’s most famous attraction? Climbing those 463 steps to Brunelleschi’s Dome might be a challenge, but admiring the cityscape from its viewpoint is one of the most romantic things to do in Florence.
Admire Brunelleschi’s Dome viewpoint, climb the Bell Tower, and peek inside Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.
4. Museo Galileo
Address: Piazza dei Giudici, 50122, Firenze, FL, Italy
Galileo is associated with telescopes and the stars — almost a mythical figure in the history of physics and science. Credited with proving that the moon wasn’t smooth but cratered, Galileo had a long list of accolades. And while he was born in Pisa, his links to Florence were extensive. He actually settled in the city in 1610.
With that in mind, a trip to Museo Galileo is an absolute must for first-time visitors to Florence. It becomes all too easy to embrace art when visiting the museum, but don’t forget the scientific advancements the city spurred, too. Museo Galileo has countless precious artifacts, including two of the scientist’s personal telescopes.
5. Uffizi Gallery
Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122, Firenze, FL, Italy
In a city of art, how could you possibly skip its oldest gallery? Uffizi was constructed in the 16th century and contains artwork from the Middle Ages to the Modern Period. Talk about versatility. Don’t miss the famed Birth of Venus painting by Sandro Botticelli.
Much of its beautiful halls are adorned with items collected by the Medici family (surprise, surprise). It is fascinating how much art preservation is available today thanks to the Medici. The Uffizi Gallery cements your understanding of Florence’s history and socio-political make-up.
What Makes Florence Culturally Unique
Florence is unique in every sense of the word. Founded by Romans and flourished by the Medici, the city has been continuously redefined — creating a story that’s impossible to mirror. From its brief stint as the capital of Italy to the protection of traditional olive harvesting just outside the city’s bounds, it lives and breathes culture. Cultural uniqueness might as well be its middle name (move aside “Firenze”).
Still wondering what makes Florence tick? These are the qualities and stories that you can only get in Florence. Forget Rome, skip Sicily, and chalk up Venice as a destination “for next time.” Here are the cultural qualities underneath Florence’s fiery-colored roofs.
-
Medici History
Here’s the thing; Medici were akin to royalty. As rulers of Florence and Tuscany, the city is a living capsule of their lineage and influence. Even more importantly? This family had significantly humble beginnings, with their roots laid in trading.
After working their way up from simple merchants, the family held onto power for almost three consecutive centuries, utilizing sheer entrepreneurship. Centuries later, their names are still traced across history books across Europe. It’s not quite rags to riches, but it’s a compelling and unique enough tale to grant Florence some significant cultural uniqueness.
-
Location
Florence isn’t set along the coastline, like many of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. Instead of being hailed for its seaside experience and the ability to bask in the sun, it earns its attention through its access to beautiful countryside.
Combine a city break in Florence with a few days in the Tuscan countryside. Tuscany luxury villas provide beautiful scenery and comfortable furnishings; use these as a base to enjoy oil and wine tastings at nearby estates. Rent a car or organize paid shuttle services. There’s so much beauty within a 120 km radius.
-
Big Claims To Fame
There is art to be found everywhere, science in every corner of the globe, and movements like the Renaissance spread far. Yet, Florence becomes unique in how integrated these claims are.
Michelangelo’s talent was spotted by members of the Medici family. Galileo worked in the family’s court. And the city is credited as the birthplace of the Renaissance, rather than merely housing a few styles of Renaissance architecture. Florence was central in the early chapters of many famous people and movements — if not responsible for turning their first pages.