Florence: Things To Do

Accademia Gallery While this a must-stop for Michelangelo's iconic David and his powerful unfinished Slaves meant for the tomb of Pope Julius II, most visitors fail to appreciate the museum's Gothic and Renaissance paintings and its remarkable collection of musical instruments. Late openings are usually scheduled on one or two nights weekly throughout the summer months. San Marco/Santissima Annunziata; Via Ricasoli 60 (entrance 58); 011-39-055-238-8609; 011-39-055-238-8609
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CCCS The Centre for Contemporary Culture Strozzina (CCCS) is part of the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation and was created as a showcase for different approaches, practices and trends in contemporary art and culture both locally and internationally. The 11-room exhibition space is located in the former cellars under the magnificent courtyard of the Palazzo. Santa Trinita; Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza Strozzi; 011-39-055-277-6461; www.strozzina.org
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Museo Nazionale del Bargello Originally the headquarters of the town's top magistrate and prison, the Bargello became a museum in 1865 and now houses the most comprehensive collection of Donatello’s sculptural works, plus pieces by other Renaissance greats like Cellini, Verrocchio, Giambologna, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, and Michelangelo. The ticket is a bargain and queues are nonexistent. Closed 2nd and 4th Mondays. The Duomo/Piazza della Signoria; Via del Proconsolo 4; 011-39-055-238-8609; www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/bargello
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Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens Built by Luca Pitti and later bought by the Medici, the palace contains five museums: the Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Costume Gallery, the Museo degli Argenti, and the Porcelain Museum. The 79-acre Boboli Gardens rank among the world's finest landscaped gardens. Buy the three-day joint ticket if you plan on visiting the whole complex. The Oltarno; Piazza Pitti 1; 011-39-055-238-8786; www.polomuseale.firenze.it
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Santa Croce Famed as the Pantheon of Italian Greats, the city's Franciscan basilica houses the tombs of the likes of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. Every nave, sacristy, and cloister contains masterpieces – notably Brunelleschi's Pazzi Chapel and Giotto's groundbreaking frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi chapels. The unremarkable façade is a 19th-century addition. Santa Croce/Sant'Ambrogio; Piazza Santa Croce 16; 011-39-055-246-6105; www.santacroce.firenze.it
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The Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore was built to Arnolfo di Cambio's project starting September 8th, 1296. Added in 1436, Brunelleschi's iconic dome is well worth both the €9.50 ticket and the 463-step climb. The remains of the former Santa Reparata cathedral can be seen at a lower level, while the façade dates from the 19th century. The Duomo/Piazza della Signoria; Piazza del Duomo; 011-39-055-230-2885; www.operaduomo.firenze.it
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Uffizi Gallery Built by Vasari in 1560 as the Medici administrative offices (hence their name), the Uffizi are home to Botticelli’s "Birth of Venus,” Michelangelo's "Tondo Doni,” Da Vinci’s "Annunciation," and Caravaggio's "Medusa" to name but a few. Work is under way to double the exhibition space by 2010. Allow between three hours and a full day. The Duomo/Piazza della Signoria; Piazzale degli Uffizi; 011-39-055-238-8651; www.uffizi.firenze.it
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Vasari Corridor Built in 1565 by Vasari to link Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti for the convenience (and safety) of the Medici, this private passageway offers unusual views over the city and is lined with illustrious self portraits. It can only be visited by joining a scheduled guided tour: well worth it if you can afford around $145 for the privilege. The Duomo/Piazza della Signoria; Entrance through the Uffizi Gallery; 011-39-055-238-8651; en.firenze.waf.it
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