Must see is the easy vacation travel guide for the first time visitor to Florence,  the city of the Renaissance. We've made it easy to figure out what to see by identifying the Must See Sights.

The Duomo is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore. It was begun by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 and finished by Brunelleschi in 1436. Inside are preserved works by Paolo Uccello, Andrea del Castagno. (paintings and stained glass windows). The Sacristy preserves Luca della Robbia's lunettes and some lovely inlaid cupboards by Giuliano and Benedetto da Maiano (1463-65). Also notable are...  more »»»

Behind the Duomo is  the Opera del Duomo Museum housing sculptures removed from Florence's Cathedral for preservation and restoration. Among the hundreds of items on display are the original Ghiberti door panels from the Baptistry's "Gates of Paradise" doors, Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà, Brunelleschi's Duomo wooden models, and his death mask. The museum also preserves about 7000 pieces including manuscripts, registers, books and other papers.

Next to the Cathedral is the soaring bell tower by Giotto (82 m high) from the top of which visitors can admire a wonderful view over Florence. 

Opposite to the Duomo is the Baptistry, with the beautiful bronze doors, rich in sculptures and bas-reliefs, by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti. Over the doors are some valuable marble groups representing the Sermon of the Baptist; the Decollation of St. John and the Baptism of Christ). The interior,  besides the carved floor, has ... more »»»

Piazza della Signoria has been the cultural heart of the city  since the 14th Century and is very rich in monuments . more » » »

San Lorenzo: It was rebuilt by Brunelleschi in 1414 over a pre-existent basilica. In the interior is the “ Sagrestia vecchia” (Old sacristy), a real art jewel by Brunelleschi, Donatello and Luca della Robbia; the “Sagrestia Nuova” (New sacristy) by Michelangelo, who sculpted the renowned Medicee tombs and the richly decorated “Cappella dei Principi”.

Santo Spirito: built by Brunelleschi it is rich in works of art, with a nice sacristy by Giuliano da Sangallo.

The Church of Carmine: with several frescoes by Masaccio.

Santissima Annunziata: Famous Sanctuary built in 1250. It preserves many frescos by Florentine artists. It is rich in works of art dating back to the 4th and 5th century, by Andrea del Castagno and Andrea del Sarto (Nativity of Mary). Of note is the small marble temple housing the “Annunciation” an ancient venerated prodigious image.

Ospedale degli Innocenti: It was designed by Brunelleschi (1419) with a elegant loggia and decorated with glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia. It is the seat of the “Pinacoteca” (Art gallery) where  group of high level works of art are conserved: "Madonna with Child" by Botticelli; “Madonna with Child” in glazed terracotta by Della Robbia; “Enthroned Madonna” by Piero di Cosimo and the masterpiece "Adoration of the Magi” by Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Basilica of Santa Croce: Built in 1295 by Arnolfo di Cambio, who produced one of the most beautiful Gothic masterpieces of Italy. It is shaped like an Egyptian cross with three  naves (114 m long) , the choir and the transept with many family chapels frescoed by Giotto and his pupils, making the basilica an important museum of the 3rd century Florentine school.  more » » »

Santa Maria Novella: the Basilica dates back to 1360. It is characterized by a white and green Romanesque-Gothic façade. The interior is divided into a nave and two aisles and is rich in works of art such as...  more » » »

Santa Trinita: It is one of the most ancient Gothic churches of Florence. It is shaped like an Egyptian cross with three naves interiors and pointed arches. Works of art: Madonna and Saints by Neri di Bicci; fresco by Spinello Aretino; Annunciation by Lorenzo Monaco; on the walls the frescoes “ Storie di Maria” (stories of Mary) by the same artist. To the right side of the high altar are some frescoes by Ghirlandaio (1486). Other nice works by Luca della Robbia and Benedetto da Maiano.

Palazzo Pitti: Attributed to Brunelleschi (1458) is the most important monumental building of Florence. It was the residence of Medici’s family and nowadays is the seat of many museums of Florence: Palatine Gallery; Appartamenti Reali; Modern Art Gallery; Silverware Museum; Costume Gallery and Chinaware Museum.  more... »»»

Boboli Garden: It is located behind Palazzo Pitti and is  a very elegant Italian garden of about 45000 sq m characterized by paths, fountains, statues and panoramic views. Of note are the big Amphitheater; the “Fontana del Carciofo”; the Vivaio del Nettuno (wide basin with nice statue of Neptune)  more»»»

Bargello Museum is the quintessential Florentine museum for sculpture lovers. It is located in Via del Proconsolo, close to Piazza della Signoria. The magnificent palazzo, three stories high with a beautiful courtyard and a tower, houses many artworks... more »»»

Academy Gallery: the Museum houses a collection of sculptures and paintings from the  3rd and 4th centuries, as well as 15th and 16th centuries. It also preserves several works by Michelangelo Buonarroti, among which the most important is “David”, one of the most famous statues in the world and whose copy is in front of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. more »»»

Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Art Gallery) Houses the world's finest collection of Italian Renaissance painting and outstanding works of other  non-Italian schools, antique sculpture, a gallery of self-portraits, and 100,000 prints and drawings. more » » »

Piazzale Michelangelo: It is a balcony over the town of Florence and people from there can enjoy a wonderful panorama. It is a compulsory tourist stage. In the center of the Piazza stands the monument to Michelangelo; a perfect copy of the famous “David”. more »»»

San Miniato al Monte: It emerges on the top of the hill overlooking Florence  close to Piazzale Michelangelo. This nice Romanesque church built between 1018 and 1207 is characterized by a white and green façade and by three interior naves. It preserves works of art by : Michelozzo, Luca della Robbia, Agnolo Gaddi, Taddeo Gaddi, Spinello Aretino and Rossellino. It is a very romantic spot. more »»»