Walking Through Florence's Historic Heart
Walking tour from the north to the south, and from the west to the east of the city.
See the Duomo, the Baptistery with its three famous doors, one of which is called the "Gate of Paradise", and the Duomo's bell tower.
Walk along Via Calzaiuoli and stop at the church of Orsanmichele, a "strange" church.
Visit Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, with Palazzo Vecchio, the Town Hall, and the Loggia dei Lanzi. Among the many statues in the square, there is one representing the person who sponsored the Uffizi.
Pass through the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery to arrive at the Arno river.
Walk to Ponte Vecchio, the Old Bridge, and cross to the other side of the Arno river, the south side. This area of Florence is known as "Oltrarno".
In just a few steps, reach Palazzo Pitti, once the residence first of the Duke of Florence, then of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, and finally of the King of Italy.
Leave Pitti Palace and, through a small narrow street so typical of this area of Florence, reach Piazza Santo Spirito, one of the most "Florentine" squares, and the Chiesa di Santo Spirito, whose first project was made by Filippo Brunelleschi, the same architect who built the Dome.
The Santo Spirito church played an important role in the life of Michelangelo.
Leave the "Oltrarno" area and use another bridge to return to the north side of the Arno river. Cross the famous Ponte Santa Trinita.
This bridge was destroyed in World War II, like the other bridges of Florence except the Old Bridge, but it was reconstructed "where it was" and "how it was".
After crossing Santa Trinita Bridge, enter Via Tornabuoni, probably the richest street in Florence, with its famous fashion brands.
Via Tornabuoni faces one side of Palazzo Strozzi, one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces in Florence. The Strozzi family was one of the richest families in Florence. Walk through the courtyard of the palace, a typical Renaissance courtyard.
From Strozzi Palace, you will be just a few steps from Piazza della Repubblica.
Note: A walking tour considers seeing the sites from outside.
