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Five ideas for guided tours in Florence

• The Duomo: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

  Let’s start with one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. A wealth of styles! The time taken for its construction has paid off. The construction of the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral began in 1296 and was completed in 1436. Its sumptuousness is marked by its facade decorated with beautiful marble colors: white, pink and green. It is slender with its dome which is its architectural emblem and the largest in the world with its 45 meters in diameter. It opens its magnificent doors, the porta dei Canonici to the north and the porta del Mandorla to the south, free of charge, to no less than 20,000 people. They are decorated with a fine relief as a jewel. Climbing to the top of the Giotto campanile is worth the trip. Its precisely carved statues embellish its tower. The terrace offers a unique view of the city.

• The Ponte Vecchio

  Do you like unusual walks? Go to the only bridge still existing since the Middle Ages. It was built in 1345. To get there, you will first enjoy an unforgettable tour. You will enter the secret passage of the Vasari Corridor built in 1565. The Medici family used it to travel between Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace. You will then pass through some nice streets: via Por Santa Maria and via Calimala. Another nice choice of street is via Roma. This marvel among the most famous bridges invites you to discover the Florentine know-how in small wooden shops. You will enter goldsmith’s stores, stores specializing in the sale of gold or jewelry artisans. This bridge will also give you the privilege of admiring the famous Arno River.

• Piazzale Michelangelo

  When we think of Italian art, Michelangelo is one of the artists who spontaneously comes to mind. Florence is the city that best pays homage to his works through the places in its historic center. Among these, in the Oltramo district, we find the beautiful Piazzale Michelangelo built in 1869 by the famous architect Giuseppe Poggi. Built on a hill, you can reach it on foot via the stairs of San Niccolo. This marvel is embellished with a sunset at the end of the day. Don’t forget to visit the romantic park in Via di San Salvatore al Monte. It will perfume you with the scents of 350 species of roses and a hundred varieties of plants welcomed from all over the world.

• Pitti Palace

  Originally the residence of the wealthy banker Luca Pitti, it was built in 1458. The Pitti Palace was later bought by the sovereign Tuscan Medici family. Emblematic symbol of Florentine heritage, it is undoubtedly one of the largest museums in the city. 3 museums and 6 gardens are housed inside. The Palatine Gallery is the most representative of the Renaissance movement with 500 paintings by artists of that period. They are scattered here and there in the apartments and rooms of the palace. There is also an enchanting garden created between the 16th and 19th centuries: The Boboli with its many statues, as well as being the largest green space in Florence. The alleys cross beautiful fountains, grottos and lakes.

• Mercato Central

  Famous markets are often put forward to represent the art of cooking, encompassing a lot of traditional ingredients. San Laurenzo Mercato Central is home to the central market built in 1874 by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who found his inspiration in the Halles de Paris. This market is open every day. It offers countless culinary varieties on its stalls. Its first floor is dedicated to fruits, vegetables and meats. The second floor is focused on local dishes and others from elsewhere. You will be invited to taste them through a journey of rich flavors. Not far from this one, another open market is full of items for tourists. Before going home, you will be able to choose souvenirs, clothes or leather goods, to share the stay with your loved ones.