Things to do in Florence

About Florence

Florence serves as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, housing one of the world's highest concentrations of artistic masterpieces. The city is defined by the massive terracotta-tiled dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which remains a landmark of engineering innovation. Visitors can explore vast collections at the Uffizi Galleries or view the iconic statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. The historical center is dominated by the medieval Ponte Vecchio, which continues to support a dense cluster of shops spanning the Arno River.

Good to know

1. 1

   Florence served as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy for five years between 1865 and 1870.

2. 2

   The city is the birthplace of the Italian language, as the dialect spoken in Florence became the standardized form of modern Italian through the works of Dante Alighieri.

3. 3

   Local regulations strictly control the external aesthetics of the city center, forbidding the installation of modern signage or neon lighting on historic storefronts.

4. 4

   The Florentine year officially began on March 25th, rather than January 1st, until the year 1749.

5. 5

   Florence is home to the world's oldest pharmacy, the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, which has been operating since 1221.