An entire city that could be dubbed a ‘museum without walls’, Florence offers an unending feast for the eyes. In this photo blog by Freethedust and Maggie Johnson you can take a virtual tour among it’s cobble-stoned streets, iconic sites, masterful artworks, delicious foods, and jaw-dropping vistas. No doubt you’ll be pining to visit Florence by the end!
The City
Florence was the first city in Europe with paved streets, and was the birthplace of the piano, as well as Florence Nightingale. Florence receives over 10 million visitors a year and is home to the largest collection of renaissance art located in the Uffizi gallery. Photo credit: Freethedust
The Icon
Santa Maria Della Fiore is one of Florence’s major icons. Taking over 140 years to complete and being the largest brick dome in the world still, this cathedral is 583 years old! From bottom to top this building is an architectural masterpiece and it is highly recommended to take the 463 steps to the top for a 360 degree view of the city. Photo credit: Freethedust
The exterior of the Duomo sources its marble from three locations: Carrara (white), Prato (green), and Siena (red), as well as others. It boasts a footprint of 8,300 m2 (89,0002 ft.) and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Photo credit: Freethedust
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio at sunrise. This historic bridge was the only one not blown up by the Nazis as Hitler deemed it too beautiful to destroy. It is famous for its jeweler’s shops appearing to hang off the sides of the bridge crossing the Arno. Photo credit: Freethedust
Piazzale Michelangelo
A short walk from the historical center, Piazzale Michelangelo gives a commanding panoramic view of Florence, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Forte Belvedere, Fiesole, and more. The best time to come is sunset, but arrive early its popular! Photo credit: Freethedust
The art
Georgio Vasari’s “Last judgment” which covers the cupola in Florence is interestingly enough mostly done by Federico Zuccari, who continued Vasari’s work after he passed, completing the mostly unfinished fresco and even changing Vasari’s work in an attempt to show his own style and originality. Photo credit: Freethedust
While the original marble masterpiece lives in the Accademia Gallery, there are two replicas of Michelangelo’s famous David statue in the city of Florence. One of the copies resides in Piazzale Michelangelo, and the other stands guard in front of Palazzo Vecchio. Catch David at sunset and take it all in with the sky for a background. Photo credit: Maggie Johnson
Gardens
Florence’s Giardino delle Rose is nestled just down the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo, the most popular spot to see the city from. It’s a quieter place to take in the view and observe hundreds of different kinds of roses. Photo credit: Maggie Johnson
Located behind Palazzo Pitti (which belonged to Florence’s leading family, the Medici) are the Boboli Gardens. They are an exquisite example of Italian style gardens, and are home to magnificent grottos, fountains, and Renaissance statues. Photo credit: Maggie Johnson
The Food
What’s better than aperitivo served on vintage wine barrels? Nothing! Add in the view of the Ponte Vecchio from Signorvino and you have yourself a beautiful start to a Florentine evening. Photo credit: Maggie Johnson
Biting into one of All’Antico Vinaio’s sandwiches is almost like a religious experience. This is one of Florence’s most famous panini shops, with the line down Via dei Neri to prove it. Photo credit: Maggie Johnson
Florence is full of hidden gems with cozy corners. Cibreo is no exception, with a couple establishments within the city that are family-owned. It’s a welcoming spot to try Tuscan cuisine, located in the local and always charming Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood. Photo credit: Maggie Johnson
Ready to go explore Florence? Join us on our next Italy trip!
Freethedust is a professional photographer based out of Utah. He has lived extensively in Italy, Portugal, Israel, and the USA and finds any opportunity to go out and take photos. Freethedust contributes regularly to magazines and journals, as well as working with outdoor brands. His favorite location to date is New-Zealand where he says: “Nothing here is similar to any other place on earth.”
Maggie Johnson is the creator of The Artful Everyday, a travel and lifestyle blog dedicated to living intentionally and finding beauty in the ordinary. She loves the idea that we get to escape into another person’s everyday life when we travel, and that it allows us to be more open to the world and its cultures. Maggie lived in Florence while studying abroad, and is passionate about traveling in Europe, especially Italy.
