Architectural Buildings in Florence

THE 10 BEST Florence Architectural Buildings

Architectural Buildings in Florence

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71 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Showing results 1-30 of 71

What travelers are saying

  • CPaM68
    Texas663 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Bell Tower, which is visible from nearly every vantage point in the city, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Florence. The free-standing tower, 280 feet tall, is considered the best example of 14th-century Gothic architecture in the city.  Views from the top are said to be breathtaking, but at 414 steps, I didn’t make the trip, since I didn’t know how they would get me down after my heart attack. (PaM)
    Written February 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mashie44
    Belgium154 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The widely-published info on hours of monks charting is incorrect. They chant at 6.30 each day. We arrived at 4.30 (as all online guides we found said this was the time for chanting in winter). At 4.45 asked the man at the door who said it is always 6.30. So we came back a couple of days later and did enjoy it. The church is cold if you sit for long. The floor is lovely (zodiac mosaic). Interesting restoration work currently going on. Well worth the short walk up from Piazzale Michelangelo, and has even better views of the city
    Written February 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Matthew
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited in October 2022
    Absolutely beautiful church. Amazing paintings in the cloisters and the Uccello’s inside are worth the visit alone!
    A bit confused by entrance, and initially queued at the wrong location, but as I had prebooked a ticket discovered entry was quick and easy from the Station side.
    Will definitely return!
    Written March 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Subteach10
    Asheville, NC381 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful place for history, art, and contemplation. There is the cathedral, museum, and grounds that are all well worth exploring.
    Written December 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Herbert C
    892 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Completed in the 12th century, the Florence Baptistery is believed to be the oldest building in Florence. Centrally located in Piazza del Duomo across from the Florence Cathedral and Giotto's Campanile, you will not miss this imposing octagonal building built in Florentine Romanesque style and coated majestically in green and white marble. It forms part of the monumental complex of Santa Maria del Fiore, and purchase of any of the monument passes will allow access to the baptistery. Be sure to watch out for the following renowned features of the baptistery:
    (i) its 3 sets of bronze doors, the most important being the replica of the Gates of Paradise, which features 10 bas-relief panels depicting several Old Testament scenes;
    (ii) the dome's incredibly complex Byzantine mosaic dating back to the 13th century; and
    (iii) monumental tomb of Antipope John XXIII.
    Written February 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveler O
    Washington DC, DC1,068 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice spot to duck in out of the sun or rain and snap some photos. After that, it's easy on move on. Close to most of the well known sites.
    Written September 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 898frank
    Virginia354 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is probably the most beautiful church in Florence with great fresco artwork from Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. The ceiling is breathtaking with the fantastic perspective creating an unprecedented 3D effect. Stand in the middle of the church to experience it.
    Situated outside the most touristic area and quiet. Access is also free.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Akshaya S
    Noida, India432 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The church is a lesser know or visited place as we did not find too many people there during out visit. But it is a marvelous renaissance style basilica from inside. Beautiful work done on the dome.
    Written July 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brun066
    Florence, Italy12,580 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In addition to the Certosa del Galluzzo (which I visited for the second time after many years) I have experience of some other Italian Carthusian monasteries, more or less famous: Pavia, Naples, Padula, Calci, Pontignano near Siena. In none of these have I been able to take advantage of a guided tour so complete and so easy to practice (but I haven't been from Pavia for decades, so things could have gotten much better there): summer and winter, every day of the week except Mondays, visits are possible at set times by accessing at the moment, without reservation (I don't know if, by reservation, guided tours are also possible in other languages).
    This admirable service is due to the so-called "Community of San Leolino": a mixed community of lay people and religious, whose institutional seat is at the Pieve di San Leolino (Panzano, hamlet of the municipality of Greve in Chianti) and which was commissioned by Archbishop of Florence to administer the abbey after the departure of the last (Cistercian) monks in 2017.
    This way, the peculiarity of the abbey can be fully known: the visit (included in the entrance ticket, at a fair price of 5 euros) lasts almost an hour and a half, and concerns all the practicable parts of the abbey (therefore, for example, not the dungeons).
    The visitor is thus able to get to know the peculiarities of the attraction: the story of Niccolò Acciaioli, rich and influential Florentine merchant, founder of the Certosa, is illustrated. The precious frescoes by Pontormo are illustrated in depth, executed in 1523 in some arches of the larger cloister of the Certosa, and now brought to the building called "Palazzo Acciaioli". The frescoes are partly ruined by time, but in my opinion they have acquired a new charm through the white surfaces that have replaced the lost colors. The harsh discipline of the Carthusian monks is illustrated, as the distinction between full-fledged cloistered monks and the so-called "conversi" who can have links with the rest of the world: a distinction that is reflected among other things in that of the two juxtaposed churches, for cloistered and not. You can appreciate the fascinating succession of cloisters (three) from the smallest to the largest, which also here follows the rigorous architectural rule of the order founded by San Bruno of Cologne. You can visit one of the monks' cells, large and airy, also equipped with a personal garden, which somehow compensated them for their hard life of penance. You can admire the choir stalls in the cloistered church, with their precious inlays.
    At the end, the visitor enjoys the satisfaction coming from having fully understood (as far as possible for a non-specialist) the functioning not only of this "machine" of penance and industriousness, but of all similar ones, scattered around the Europe.
    Written December 20, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen P
    Minneapolis, MN1,021 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a relatively uncrowded place compared to many other major sights in Firenze. It offers some of the best views of the city, which makes sense given its historical function as a defensive fortification designed to allow for watching for approaching enemies. It is lovely to stroll around the upper fortifications and there are often additional shows of contemporary art. This time it was large bronze sculptures of animals. It is a little bit of a walk, either up the steep walk from San Niccolo below or from the major road above. This probably accounts for how few tourists we saw at a time when the centre of Firenze was mobbed. (Usually my visits in late August have been quiet even in the city centre as most Italians are on holiday at the seaside. But this time it was surprisingly crowded.) Spend a couple of hours enjoying the views and perhaps also the nearby Boboli and Bardini gardens. Then saunter down the hill for a lovely lunch in San Niccolo.
    Written September 1, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patricia v
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is via appointment only, but we'll worth seeing. Incredible artwork and grotto and unique history.
    Written October 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria
    Miami Beach, FL11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have been with a private excursion in this palazzo, and it was very interesting! Great architecture and same family owners as hundreds years ago. Great place for special occasions with the view on Piazza della Signoria. Mr. Gondi was a very amiable host and an interesting storyteller.
    Written November 15, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CatBookWine
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Their sign says "The garden with the best view in Florence", and they are right!
    It was a bit of a walk to get up there, but it was very worth it. The views of the city were amazing, and the gardens were gorgeous, too.
    The wisteria tunnel deserves a mention! Unfortunately, it was not in bloom when we were there, but even without the flowers, it was lovely.
    A nice surprise was the little cafe at the top of the gardens. We spent a lovely hour there enjoying some rose wine and looking out over the view.
    One other cool thing - we could hear the bells from all over the city when it was noon.
    Written November 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • john t
    Ottawa, Canada115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    was very fortunate to have a tour of the inside and outside of this amazing villa. in every room there is so much to see. this was a private collection so is very well maintained. it is now part of the new york university campus. everything from medieval to renaissance art and beyond. the gardens are stunning and an amazing view of the duomo etc. there is even a part of the garden that is used for performances. we had a fantastic guide called Martina who not only is very knowledgable about the villa but you can see she loves what she is doing. she made our tour special. we appreciated her taking the extra time with us. try and make the time to visit here. you must make a reservation first but is worth it.
    Written October 18, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lauretta D
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a very interesting villa. It isn't easy to reserve a time to visit the villa, because it has limited availability. I think the villa is only open to visits in July and August and only at 6 or 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can only visit with a guide. The tour is very heavy on the interior art and architecture, and very light on time in the gardens, which are vast and very important. Overall I'd recommend visiting for anyone interested in villas, Renaissance architecture and art, and garden design.
    Written August 24, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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