You can get to see a couple of Florentine paintings which date back to the 14th and 15th centuries in this church. You can spend a few minutes soaking up the art in this church.
The famed dome of the cathedral is said to be the trademark and skyline symbol of Florence. The structure dates back to the 13the century. In spite of the elaborate décor, you get to see on its exterior, the interior is comparatively disappointing. However the dome is worth the climb. A renaissance masterpiece of Filippo Brunelleschi's made of over 4,000,000 bricks. You can enjoy its beautiful paintings depicting heaven and hell on the Dome's ceiling . Observe its walls closely, take a look at the graffiti and you will get a fair idea of the generations this cathedral has witnessed.
A wonderful view of the entire city of Florence awaits you here, especially of the Santa Croce. And a beautiful way to get back your breath whilst the climb all the way up the dome (463 steps), is to stop at the balcony or peep out of the tiny windows.
Open Hours: 10am-5.30pm Mon-Sat (10am-3.30pm 1st Sat each month); 1-5pm Sun
Highlight:: Trademark and skyline symbol of Florence
San Miniato al Monte is a really beautiful church worth your visit on a city break to Florence. Don't forget to bring along your camera. You can click some beautiful snaps of the great views here. The church is perched high on the top of many steps. Take a look at the mosaics here which are beautiful by themselves. That of Christ Enthroned is quite a popular one and so is the special crypt here.
Though doubts still linger about the baptistery's origins, its foundations have their roots in the Roman times. The central doors are popularly known as the Gates of Paradise and portray scenes from the Bible-a beautiful work of art. The ornate doors were designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti way back in 1424.
The dome is worth a look and so is the interior gold mosaic over all the cupola.
St Johns Baptistery is a classic and one of the best examples of the Florentine works of the X-X1 centuries. Undoubtedly it is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. Its 3 set of bronze doors are facsimiles of their original in the Duomo Museum and so if you have already been to Duomo, your visit here will get more meaningful.An assortment of bible scenes are depicted on its glinting doors. Right from its symbolic octagonal structure , the green and white marble exterior and the zodiac marble pavement, the Baptistery finds a place in the top sights and attractions in Florence.
open 12:00-7:00 daily except holidays and 8:30-2:00 Sundays (ticket).
Medici Chapels was the personal chapel of the most prestigious political lineage in Florence. It is sited at a stone’s throw away from San Lorenzo. Sumptuously embellished with gold and marble jewels, Michelangelo’s masterpieces here are loved by many. Even the tombs here are striking examples of artwork. Medici Chapels is a beautiful contrast to San Lorenzo. There are even trip advisor guests who have described the Medici Chapels as “the single most beautiful room in the world”. Entry cost is 2.5 euros
Palazzo Medici Riccardi is something you and your kids will like equally. Check out the fresco of this chapel first. The interactive features here are simply great and your kids will be awed. Keep your eyes open for the Baroque frescos on the ceilings of the upper rooms here. Another masterpiece is the upper room chapel painted and titled “The Procession of the Magi” by Benozzo Gozzoli. You can also get an insight into the 15th century Renaissance architecture, once you get to see this Palazzo Medici Riccardi. Finish it off by seeing “Madonna and Child”