Florence has long been one of Italy’s most visited destinations, and deservedly so. It’s a beautiful city that is steeped in history and brimming with culture.
As you might expect from any such tourist hub, Florence (or Firenze as it’s known in Italian) can be expensive to visit, but there are still plenty of things that you can enjoy for free.
Take in the spectacular Duomo
Probably Florence’s most popular site, the Duomo (Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore) is nothing short of spectacular. A distinctive feature of Florence’s skyline, the Duomo di Firenze built between 1296 and 1436, is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It replaced the church of Santa Reparata, and symbolized Florence’s growing importance and was to be significantly larger than its predecessor. The cathedral is situated in a very lively, but relatively small square, which emphasises its grandeur and makes it seem even more impressive. The church is free to enter, but you’ll need to pay to see the Crypt, Dome, Campanile and Baptistery.
Head up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence
Piazzale Michelangelo is a large square on the south side of the Arno River and east of the historic centre. The piazzale consists of a large panoramic terrace designed in 1869 by Giuseppe Poggi, and can be reached via steps that start in Piazza Poggi. From the square, you can enjoy some fantastic views of the city.
Listen to the monks in San Miniato Church
If you keep walking up beyond Piazzale Michelangelo, you will find San Miniato Church perched on a hill. From this view point you’ll get an even wider view of Florence and the surrounding countryside, but if you go up around 5pm you’ll also be treated to something else – within the church you’ll be able to hear the Gregorian chants of the Benedictine monks who still reside there.
Tantalize your taste buds with a walk around San Lorenzo Market
Perusing the stalls of San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo Central Market) can’t fail to make your mouth water. You’ll see an array of local Tuscan products including wine, biscotti, meats and cheeses. To get inside the market, walk through Piazza dell Mercato and the stalls outside selling leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs to the door in the big building. The market is only open during the morning, so you’ll need to get there early to beat the crowds!
Walk across the Ponte Vecchio
Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest surviving bridge in Florence and one of the city’s most iconic features. This unique bridge now houses a range of little jewellery shops, although originally was also home to butchers, fishmongers and tanneries.
Visit the Santa Croce Neighbourhood
Just to the east of the centre is the Santa Croce district. The narrow streets around Piazza Santa Croce are scattered with ancient “osterias”, small bars and restaurants where you can sample the traditional dishes of Florentine and Tuscan cuisine. Spend a while in Piazza Santa Croce, a main stage for religious ceremonies and other events in times gone by, to soak up the atmosphere and see the facade of the medieval Santa Croce Basilica, the largest Franciscan church in the world.
Enjoy some people-watching in the Piazza della Signorina
There are plenty of places in Florence where you can indulge your people-watching habits, but a great one is Piazza della Signoria. The bustling square is overlooked by Palazzo Vecchio, which was built at the beginning of 14th century and has housed national governments and municipal authorities over the years. In front of the palace are a number of statues, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David, which replaced the original in 1873, and the group of Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli.
Go to the Mercato Nuovo and improve your luck
If you head to the Mercato Nuovo, not only can you browse the impressive range of leather goods, you can also help your chances of getting a bit of luck! Within the market is a big statue of a wild boar – rubbing its (now very shiny) nose is said to either bring you luck or (like Rome’s Trevi Fountain) to ensure a return trip to Florence – both of which would be nice!
Treat your nostrils with a visit to a 14th century perfumery
The Officina Profumo/Famaceutica di Santa Maria Novella has been located within the church complex at Santa Maria Novella since the 1860s, but the perfume-making history of the monks who founded it goes back to the 14th century. Of course, buying anything will cost you, but you can wander round for free and feast your eyes on the superb frescoes throughout.
Visit the Giardino dell’Orticoltura
Situated between Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Bolognese near the Ponte Rosso, these gardens created in 1859 are home to one of Florence’s more unusual architectural delights – the Giardino dell’Orticoltura. Built by Giacomo Roster in 1879 for the Società Toscana di Orticoltura (the Tuscan Horticultural Society), the impressive steel and glass pavilion is used to display the flowers and plants that are grown each year, and exhibitions are put on regularly. In addition, there are some lovely grounds surrounding it which offer a great place to enjoy a quiet afternoon reading or relaxing.
Author Bio: Laura Lippert is Web Editor at Cactus Worldwide. An established provider of evening language courses, tailor-made language training and language courses abroad, Cactus offers a variety of Italian courses in Florence. Image by ChrisYunker
