Florence (Firenze)

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and one of the world's most art-rich cities. So many masterpieces are concentrated in such a small area that after three days, you might develop a kind of "Stendhal syndrome" — that overwhelming feeling from too much beauty, which got its name here.

The Uffizi (Galleria degli Uffizi) ★★★

One of the world's most important art collections: Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo's Annunciation, Raphael's Madonna del Cardellino, Caravaggio's Medusa, Titian, Michelangelo — the list is endless. 45 rooms, over 2,000 works. Online reservation is absolutely mandatory — the queues without reservation are 3–4 hours in high season. Plan at least 3 hours.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore ★★★

Brunelleschi's dome (completed in 1436) is one of the most ingenious engineering feats in history — 45 m in diameter, built without scaffolding, still the largest brick dome in the world today. The climb (463 steps, no elevators!) is rewarded with close-up views of Vasari's ceiling fresco and a panoramic view over Florence. Book ticket separately (20 € combo incl. Campanile, Baptistery, Crypt), choose time slot. The cathedral facade (19th century, neo-Gothic) is a feast of white, green, and pink marble.

Ponte Vecchio ★★

The oldest bridge in Florence (1345) is lined with goldsmiths and jewelers — a tradition since the 16th century when the Medici expelled the butchers because they didn't like the smell. Above the bridge runs the secret Vasari Corridor, which connected the Palazzo Pitti with the Uffizi — occasionally open for tours.

Galleria dell'Accademia ★★★

Here he stands: Michelangelo's David (1504), 5.17 meters of pure marble, one of the most perfect artworks of all time. The detail — the veins in the hands, the tension of the muscles — is overwhelming up close. Next to it: Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners (Prigioni), fascinatingly showing how he "freed" the figures from the stone. Online ticket mandatory, 12 €.

Piazzale Michelangelo ★★★

THE viewpoint over Florence. From this terrace south of the Arno, you can see the entire skyline: Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, the hills in the background. Come at sunset, bring Prosecco, and enjoy the best free view in Tuscany.