Get ready for a fascinating journey through the streets of Florence’s historic center! As we stroll through the city, we’ll discover its religious heart, where faith and artistic genius blend in spectacular ways. We’ll walk across the ancient Roman forum of Florentia, step into the medieval and Renaissance world, and admire the churches and palaces that shaped the power and wealth of Florence’s most influential families.
Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political center for centuries, is an open-air museum. Its powerful sculptures narrate the history of the Medici, who ruled Florence as early as the 1400s and became official Dukes in the 1500s. Every corner of our itinerary is packed with stories, fun facts, and insights that will bring Florence’s past to life.
Why choose this tour?
It’s the perfect introduction to the city! By the end of the walk, you’ll have a great sense of orientation in the historic center. Florence is divided into four historic districts: Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, San Giovanni, and Santo Spirito.
- 3-hour tour: we’ll explore three of these districts.
- 4-hour tour: we’ll cross the Arno River to visit the charming Santo Spirito district, famous for its lively market and the stunning Santo Spirito Church. Here, a young Michelangelo studied anatomy, refining his skill in depicting the human body with extraordinary realism.
We’ll talk about the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, but also about a crucial moment in Italian history: when Florence became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy (1865-1871). This era deeply transformed the city, as we’ll see in Piazza della Repubblica, known for its historic cafés. We’ll take a break in one of these spots to enjoy an authentic Italian coffee experience!
A hidden gem of the tour: the Basilica of Santa Trinita
This beautiful church, originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century, houses masterpieces like the Sassetti Chapel, painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1482-1485). In Renaissance Florence, commissioning a chapel was a status symbol, a way for wealthy families to celebrate their power through art. Here, we’ll delve into 15th-century humanism and its vision of man as the protagonist of his own destiny.
4-Hour Tour Options
- Full city tour: exploring both sides of the Arno River.
- 3 hours walking tour + 1 hour visit to the Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo & the David Tour).