Florence

The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze is one of the main tourist attractions of Florence. Take a tour to the first and second floors of the museum to explore and learn more about the collections of each of the sections. During its inauguration by King Vittorio Emanuel in 1870, it was located in the Cenacolo di Fuligno, in via Faenza.It used to have an excellent collection of Roman, Etruscan and Greek artifacts until 1885, when the Egyptian museum was also set up in the same location. As the accommodation of the huge collection of artifacts became difficult, it was transferred to Palazzo della Crocetta, its present location. This relocated museum has the second-largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Italy.The museum houses some notable pieces of artifacts which serve as important elements of research on the different eras of world history. It is also designed in such a way that it attracts people of all age groups and also has copies of notable artifacts for the visually impaired to touch and explore them in detail. 

The Riccardi Medici Palace is a palace-turned-museum in the city of Florence, Italy. It has been built in the traditional Florentine palace plan around a central court room. You can learn more about the life, culture and traditions of the Royal Medici Family and Lorenzo the Medici’s great passion for art. The palace was designed by the famous Florentine architect Michelozzo for the mighty Medicis. The building of the palace is a classic example of Italian Mannerist architecture. It is even the first Renaissance structure erected in Florence.The palace also served as the workstation of the legendary Italian artist Michelangelo who came to stay here under the sponsorship of Lorenzo. Lorenzo was very passionate about art and supported young artists which is also revealed by the excellent collection of artworks in the palace. Each corner of the palace has a story of its own and attracts a large number of tourists who come to explore Florence every year. This is one of the most treasured Heritage Sites of Florence glorifying its history and architecture.  

A place of memories and celebrations of the great artist Michelangelo, Casa Buonarroti is a monument and a museum, displaying one of the greatest art collections of Michelangelo. The building was built by Leonardo, Michelangelo’s nephew and was enlarged and restored by Michelangelo the Younger. It was later converted into a museum, to house some of the greatest works of Michelangelo and other Flemish and Italian renaissance artists. Although Michelangelo was not born in Casa Buonarroti, he spent a couple of years in the building. A great place to learn about the life of Michelangelo, the museum has several sketches, drawings and other works of the great artists placed in the 2 floors and 16 exhibition halls. The first floor of the museum consists of the family collection with over 150 archaeological findings and the adjacent halls include the works from artists who were inspired by Michelangelo and were collected by the Buonarrito family. Some of the most famous attractions in the museum include 2 marble reliefs made by Michelangelo, Madonna of the Stairs and the Battle of Centaurs. You can also gaze at several samples of drawing made by Michelangelo that are displayed on rotation basis such as the Madonna and the Child, Studies for the head of Leda and the sketch of Cleopatra.

The Basilica di Santo Spirito, an Augustinian convent that was later converted into a Basilica, is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture built by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. The basilica houses a total of 38 chapels, throughout the length of the attraction with magnificent and elaborate artwork on them. The Basilica has been governed by the Austin friends since its establishment.Built with a Latin cross plan, the church has 3 naves surrounding the main altarpiece. The ceiling of the place was left open by Brunelleschi to symbolise the walls reaching the heavens. Visit the Basilica to get a chance to admire the magnificent artworks by popular artists such as Perugino, Andrea, Michelangelo and many others. The exterior of the architecture will amaze you with its stark appearance, with coats of arms over the windows belonging to the families who have their chapels in the Basilica. This is a great place to observe and admire the renaissance style of architecture, with the stone columns ornamented using the Corinthian capitals. A great example of simplicity, Basilica di Santo Spirito, houses some of the most beautiful and elaborate artworks such as the Altarpiece by Filippino, Annunciation by Pietro Donzello, Crucifix by Michelangelo and the Christ and the adulteress by Alessandro Allori. Marvel at the wonderful artworks inside the chapels throughout the Basilica and learn about the history behind them with a guide.

Museo Galileo is a famous Science museum in Italy that is named after a popular Scientist, Physicist, Engineer and Astronomer, Galileo Galilei. Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564 in Pisa, Italy. During his lifetime, Mr Galilei made several fundamental contributions to the world of Science, material strength and astronomy. After his death in 1642, a museum was constructed in Florence, Italy named Museo Galileo or Galileo Museum. This building is located at Piazza Dei Giudici, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, which is only a 3-minute walk from the famous Palazzo Vecchio. The place is constructed using brown bricks whose description is also mentioned in one of Dan Brown's novels, Inferno. The museum is an 11th-century building that was earlier called Castello d'Altafronte. Years later in 2010, the museum was reopened to the public by Museo di Storia Della Scienza. Till now, its name changed to Museo Galileo. Inside the premises, there are several valuable scientific instruments that attract all Science buffs from all around the world. The building also features a number of other Modernista elements such as a grand staircase, an intricate ceiling, and a number of beautiful stained glass windows. If you're planning a trip to Florence, visiting this historical place is a must. 

Often called Pitti Palace, Palazzo Pitti is a vast palace constructed in 1458. It is located in the southern part of the Arno River in Florence, Italy. It is one of the oldest operating museums in Italy, famously known to be the former residence of Grand Duke Cosimo I de Medici. Before that, it was the chief residence of a Florentine banker, Luca Pitti, after whom the name Pitti Palace was given. Later in 1549, this place was brought by the great Medici family; as a result, it became the official residence of ruling families. With time, this place grew as a treasure as the king's generation resided here and collected jewellery, paintings, artwork and other precious possessions. Later in the 18th century, the palace became the power base of Napoleons and was regarded as the royal palace of new Italy. Today, the palace’s complex is the largest in Florence owing to its rich history and great collection. It is classified into different sections, including museums, art galleries, courtyards, etc. The Pitti Palace is open year-round and a popular destination for locals and tourists.

The Palazzo Vecchio is the Town Hall of Florence, Italy which was originally built in the 13th century but has been renovated many times. It was built in 1299 by Arnolfo di Cambio and is located in the Piazza della Signoria, which is the main square of Florence. The Palazzo was originally built as a fortress to protect the city of Florence from enemy attacks. Located in the Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio has many features that make it one of the most famous buildings in Florence. It has a tall tower that offers splendid views of the city, a large clock face, and an impressive balcony overlooking the Piazza della Signoria. The exterior of the building is made up of stone and has ornate decorations. The interior of the building is just as impressive, with sumptuous paintings and tapestries adorning the walls and ceilings.The Palazzo also features one of the largest halls of Italy, the hall also houses several sculptures including Michelangelo's Genius of Victory, which is a marvel to gaze at. Stroll through one of the most enjoyable museums of Florence and explore its secret routes that are perfect for a treasure hunt. Recommended Read: Things To Do In Florence

Constructed in the name of a celebrated painter called Giotto di Bondone, Giotto's Bell Tower is the Bell Tower of Florence situated right in the city's heart. This bell tower was designed by Giotto himself, and he laid the first stone on July 19th, 1334. After his death, the building was taken over by the great architect Andrea Pisona, who lost his life on the construction site. After his death, Francesco Talenti finally completed Giotto's Bell Tower. This bell was constructed as an integral part of Florence's cathedral. However, it is not literally connected to the church. The bell informs the devotees that it's time to offer prayers in the church. There are seven bells in Giotto's campanile that include Campanone founded by Antonio Petri, Florence in 1705, La Misericordia founded by Carlo Moreni in 1808, Apostolica, founded by Fonderia Barigozzi in 1957, Annunziata founded by Fonderia Barigozzi in 1956. Beside these, Fonderia Barigozzi founded three more bells in 1956. These include Mater Dei, L'Assunta and L'Immacolata.