Three Must-See Museums in Florence
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The bewitching charm of Florence’s Renaissance architecture is enough to attract the attention of many tourists each year. When visiting Tuscany, a trip into the heart of its capital should definitely be on the cards for you and your family, whether you’re planning to sample some of the excellent cuisines or bask in some of the world-famous art. However, if you’re planning to soak up some of the wonderful culture that is available in the city, then there really is no better way to do so than by visiting one of the many museums that the capital has on offer.
With 72 museums available for the public to explore whilst visiting Florence, it may seem overwhelming when it comes to planning where you want to spend an hour or two. On your next holiday to the region, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible exploring the wonders that Italy has to offer, so making sure that you have a vague idea of the sort of thing that you’d like to experience whilst in Tuscany is a good idea!
Each of the museums in Florence has something different to offer; whether you’d like to be captivated by some world-class Renaissance art or are interested in observing Italy’s most important collection of animal and vegetable fossils, you’re bound to find something to cater to your likes. However, if you’re stuck at where to start looking, we’ve composed a list of our top three places that you should consider!
1) Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Although its official opening was in 1891, the history of the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo dates back to the end of the 13th century. The current museum is composed of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Crypt of Santa Reparata and the Opera Museum. With the location consisting of so many different elements, there is no other way to explore Museo dell’Opera del Duomo than by spending a whole day here.
Inside the museum you’ll find over 750 works of art covering 720 years of history, so spend time wandering around the twenty-five rooms, covering 6,000 square feet. The vast collection documents the history of Florence through sculpture, in addition to a room dedicated to exhibiting the working tools and materials that were recovered during the restoration works of the cathedral and dome.
Finish your visit by looking out from the terrace of the museum, offering panoramic views and an interesting new perspective of Brunelleschi’s dome. If there’s one museum that you’re planning on visiting on your trip to Florence, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo should be on the list.
2) Uffizi Gallery
Although not specifically a gallery, the Uffizi Gallery is not only the best gallery in Florence but one of the best in the world. In addition to the architecture providing you with all the insight to the Renaissance period that you may need, the Uffizi offers you a closer look at work by some of the most prominent artists in history.
Although getting into the establishment involves metal detectors and long queues, we assure you that it will be well worth it once inside. With the majority of the collection left by the Medici to the state of Tuscany, you can expect to cast your sights on some of Botticelli, Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo and Leonard da Vinci’s finest work.
With over a million visitors a year, you’ll be in good company. With enough to entertain you and your family for a day, take your time walking through the labyrinth of paintings, reading about the history of the work. If you’re after more information, why not order a tour? A dedicated tour guide will be able to fill you with more insight that you might have otherwise missed out and is a great chance for you and your family to learn more!
3) Museo di San Marco
Named after the religious complex in Florence, the Museo di San Marco may be last but it is certainly not least on our list of places you should visit! Previously used as a monastery, today the building houses the work of Fra’Angelico, the Renaissance’s most blessed religious painter, who was later to be made a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Today, the museum is worth the visit just to revel in the wonderful architecture. Once The Sala dell’Ospizio where the pilgrims would be received, the museum has been called one of the most incredible places to visit in the whole of Italy! Luckily, this is the perfect place to escape for a couple of hours whilst visiting Florence, and thanks to the quiet nature of the museum it is unlikely for you to get stuck in queues or crowds.
We’d love to hear if you’ve ever been to any of the places on our list, or if you have any recommendations for other museums in Florence, so reach out to us on our social channels and let us know! Or, if you’re interested in visiting any of these places, then why not consider booking a stay in one of our gorgeous Italian villas? Our accommodation is family friendly and is the perfect place to return to after a long day in the capital!
Image credit: Di Sailko