We decided to take a side trip from Pisa to Florence coming back from Cinque Terre. You can take the same train line that makes visiting Florence from Pisa, or a stop coming back from Cinque Terre easy and convenient.
What to see in Florence Italy
Florence offers a magnificent artistic panoramic view that is only a few meters walk away from the main train station in Florence.
We can’t visit everything on this trip, so we’ve made a list of these important “must-sees” places in Florence for 2-3 hours’ visit with our small luggage.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is a 3-minutes walk from Firenze Di Santa Maria Novella train station. This might not be at the top of your list of places to visit in Florence, but it is worth seeing.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella was built between 1279 and 1357 and to name some highlights of this church are the Masaccio’s Trinity, Giotto’s crucifix, Brunelleschi’s crucifix, Cappella Tornabuoni and the frescoes by Filippino Lippi.
You can admire the church’s facade in front of the square.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore is located at Piazza Del Duomo. The Cathedral’s trademark dome or duomo is now the symbol of Florence.
This central masterpiece of Florence – The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore is hard to miss. It is a large and gorgeous cathedral seated at the center of the Piazza Del Duomo.
A superb building overwhelmed by so many visitors – it’s one of the largest beautiful brick domes in the world. The beauty and details of the walls just from the outside is amazing. The materials used in construction are fascinating.
The Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria are two of the most important squares in Florence Italy.
The Baptistery of St. John
The Baptistery of St. John is just next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore located at Piazza Del Duomo.
The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, constructed between 1059 and 1128.
The Baptistery of St. John which is one of the oldest buildings in the city is another must-see. The exterior is remarkable with its octagonal shape and the doors by Pisano and Ghiberti are amazing.
There is usually a line going in. We didn’t go inside due to our time constraints. Going inside, however, deserves a one to two-hour queue.
Piazza Della Signoria
The Piazza Della Signoria is the main origin of the Florentine Republic and it is located a few meters from the Piazza Duomo.
It was named after the Palazzo Della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio. The straight street was the most direct means for walking between the two famous squares in the city center of Florence – Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria.
Florence is a walkable city. Nothing is a very long walk. Perhaps 15 to 20 minutes tops going to these important sites.
Visiting Florence at least once in your lifetime is really worth it. Florence is full of art and history. Every corner you turn has a different story. A very interesting city that is surrounded by a gorgeous piece of art and beautiful magnificent buildings.
Florence is a magical place and there is beauty everywhere you look.
Overall, its a great Florence experience even for just a short visit. It was worth the trip.
Have Fun in Florence, Italy!
Jeng Cua
Florence, Italy Trip: May 31, 2019
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