Discover Some Hidden Gems of the Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence, with its iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio, is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world. But beyond the well-trodden paths, there are hidden corners that are just as fascinating.
Let’s explore together some of the lesser-known treasures of this extraordinary city.
Giardino delle Rose
At the foot of Piazzale Michelangelo, this enchanting garden offers breathtaking views of Florence. Created in 1865, it hosts over 350 varieties of roses and features contemporary sculptures by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. It’s the perfect peaceful haven for a relaxing stroll, surrounded by the scent of flowers and far from the tourist crowds.
Address
Viale Giuseppe Poggi, 2, 50125 Florence, Italy
Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Museo di San Marco
Located in the former Dominican convent of San Marco, this hidden gem houses the works of Fra Angelico. Each monastic cell is decorated with frescoes that evoke the spirituality and art of the Renaissance. The museum’s library, one of the first public ones in Europe, is another highlight worth discovering.
Address
Piazza San Marco, 3, 50121 Florence, Italy
Opening Hours
Monday: 8:15 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday: 8:15 AM - 1:50 PM
Sunday: Closed
Museo Stibbert
An eclectic and surprising treasure. The Stibbert Museum, created by Frederick Stibbert, an eccentric Anglo-Italian collector, showcases weapons, armor, costumes, and artworks from all over the world. Each room is like entering a different world, offering a curious and immersive experience.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Founded in 1221 by Dominican friars, this ancient pharmacy is a temple of beauty and history. Inside its fresco-adorned walls, perfumes, cosmetics, and herbal remedies have been produced for centuries, following traditional recipes. A visit here is like stepping back in time to discover the secrets of traditional medicine and cosmetics.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Palazzo Medici Riccardi is one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture in Florence. Commissioned by Cosimo the Elder of the Medici family and designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo in 1444, the palace reflects the power and prestige of the Medici family. It was one of their first residences and hosted historical figures like Lorenzo the Magnificent.
One of the main attractions is the famous Chapel of the Magi, frescoed by Benozzo Gozzoli. This fresco cycle is one of the most important representations of Medici culture and art, with portraits of the Medici family members and other key figures of the time. The central courtyard, with its elegant Renaissance design, and the grand halls are further testimony to the palace’s grandeur and refinement.
Later, in 1659, the palace was purchased by the Riccardi family, who expanded and enriched it, leaving their own mark. Today, visiting Palazzo Medici Riccardi means immersing yourself in centuries of Florentine history, art, and culture.
Villa Bardini
This beautiful villa, with its terraced garden and stunning views of Florence, is a hidden gem. Besides the garden, Villa Bardini hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. It’s a place where nature and culture blend to offer an unforgettable experience.
Chiesa di Orsanmichele
Originally built as a granary and later transformed into a church, Orsanmichele is a unique example of Florentine architecture. The exterior niches are decorated with statues of saints, patrons of the city’s guilds, created by masters like Donatello and Verrocchio. Inside, you can admire the magnificent Gothic tabernacle by Andrea Orcagna.
Address
Via dell’Arte della Lana, 50123 Florence, Italy
Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
