10 Artsy Must Sees of Florence

Built by the Romans and immortalized by the Renaissance, Florence affords an unforgettable voyage through timeless art and architecture. Savor the contrast between the Boboli Garden's green, groomed perfection, Brunelleschi's bold red-tiled Duomo and Giotto's 14th century Campanile in red, white and green marble. Gothic and Romanesque facades joust for attention on the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. Priceless works by Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo and Da Vinci fill the halls of the Uffizzi Gallery, Within the Brancacci Chappel Masaccio's Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, their shame and despair palapable. Meanwhile, on the Ponte Vecchio, the latest generation of craftsmen fashion unique art one can wear. It's as if the Renaissance never ceased: Florence's enlightment continues to enchant the world. Be enlightened by these 10 artsy must sees in Florence:

Galleria dell'Accademia
Founded in 1563, the first school in Europe to teach the methods of painting, drawing and sculpture.

Bargello Museum
Formerly a town hall and prison, this houses Italy's finest collection of Renaissance sculpture.

Archeological Museum
Home to a vast collection of Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Features works, carvings and tools by Donatello, Brunelleschi and Luca della Robbia, plus a section dedicated to the history of the Duomo.

Museum of the History of Science
Dedicated to astronomy, mathematics and navigation

Pitti Palace
Built by Brunelleschi for banker Luca Pitti, later purchased by the Medici, contains several museums including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Silverware Museum, the Modern Art Gallery and the Boboli Gardens

Uffizi Gallery
Italy's supreme art gallery, created by architect Vasari, contains an unparalleled collection of paintings from Italy's best known masters.

San Lorenzo
The Medici family parish church contains the Medici Chapels and mausoleum, as well as works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi.

Brancacci Chapel
Built inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, famous for the frescoes on the Life of St. Peter started by Masolino and his pupil Masaccio and competed by Filippino Lippi.

Santa Croce
A Gothic church containing the tombs of famous Florentines, such as Michelangelo, Machiavello and Galileo. Alongside is the Pazzi Chapel designed by Brunelleschi.

Start planning your vacation to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations