Florence for newbies
Florence for newbies with a short walking itinerary to the main sights.
The first time I visited Florence, I got lost somewhere between Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio and went away with the feeling that I’d missed some of the most important sights of the city. This Florence for newbies itinerary aims to prevent recurrences by covering the main attractions in a 2 hour walk – unless you decide to linger someplace along the way. Or you could join a shared walking tour.
1st stop on Piazza del Duomo
I’d start out at Piazza del Duomo and take a snapshot of the red, white and green striped cathedral and the bronze ‘door to paradise’ in the octagonal Baptistery. The ten panels work as a picture Bible illustrating the stories of Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham and Isaac, Moses, Salomon and the Queen of Sheba,etc.
Walking south through Via dei Calzaiuoli there’s time to enjoy some window and souvenir shopping before we reach the Orsanmichele, where some very nice sculptures of patron saints are stuck in the façade.
2 and 3 Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio
Further on is Piazza della Signoria which used to be the political centre of Florence. Admire the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio, and the symbolic statues of muscular, naked men.
Go down Piazzale degli Uffizi to see where you have to queue for entrance to one of the most famous art museums in the World (unless you want to book tickets here). The alley ends on the banks of the Arno where there’s a great view of Ponte Vecchio, which is the next stop on the must-see tour. The shops on the old stone bridge originally belonged to butchers and tanners, but now the smelly businesses have moved out and left the bridge to jewellers and pedestrians.
4. Museums and gardens
Continue straight out to the enormous Pitti Palace that houses several museums and art treasures. Behind the palace it’s time to take a break in the Garden of Boboli. Literary travellers could climb the hill to the church San Miniato, which was the “view” from the room discussed by Lucy in EM Forster’s novel, and enjoy a splendid panorama of Florence.
View of Florence from Fiesole.
5. Dante’s hood
Going back along Via del Monte alle Croci and crossing the Ponte alle Grazie bridge brings you to the small streets in the Santa Croce neighbourhood, where you can find the houses of long dead citizens like Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri. Head for the medieval Bargello castle which is prison turned museum and we are almost back where we started.
You could also start looking for a nice café or restaurant. Santa Croce is an untouristy residential neighbourhood that boasts some of the Florence’s best eateries.
Excellent, just what a first-timer in Florence needs. We saw only Piazza del Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, then, somehow, got a bit lost.
I’m glad to hear we were not the only family to have this experience.
I missed the Boboli Gardens last time. Would love to visit.
A short stroll along the Arno is nice. Avoid buying gelato on the Ponte Vecchio. (or anywhere the tourist gather)
Oh yes. Thanks for reminding me:)
These are just the sort of posts every good destination blog needs! So, now we know where to come when we eventually head to Florence. :)
Julia
I’ve never been to Florence and this is just the right guide for me. Here I come…..!
Great suggestions and a blog worth bookmarking for a future trip.
Looks like a great route, but is it ok if I don’t spend too long admiring the symbolic statues of muscular, naked men?
You’ll have to discuss that with your wife, but I’d claim anatomy studies should be part of general education and good breeding;)
This was and still is the main square of Florence sitting in front of the Palazzo Vecchio the original governmental palace. The greatest works of sculpture produced in the republic once stood in this square including Micheangelo’s David. Today those sculptures are distributed around the cities museums and only copies are in the piazza.
This is so helpful Mette, exactly what I need when I make it to Florence. Unfortunately I don’t have any immediate plans to go.
I’m sure you’ll make it sooner or level, laurel. If you can fit it into your packed travel schedule.
I like this idea — city guides for newbies! Great photos too. :)
Thanks. It’s the kind of series that can go on for ever:)
This is a great post indeed. Florence is a beautiful place and I still wish I had more time when I was there last time…
Some images from my short trip there – https://europeimages.blogspot.com/2010/08/florence-and-pisa-italy.html
Nice pictures – guess I should get my CummentLuv up and running again.
A great itinerary. I love getting lost on the Oltrano side of the Arno, especially in the old Santo Spirito area and nearly always end up at the amazing Brancacci Chapel not far away
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to dive deeper into that area next time I’m in Florence.