Culture & History in Florence

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Most recommended in Florence Culture & History
An Insider's Guide to Florence's Local Food and Drink
An Insider's Guide to Florence's Local Food a...

This tour is for those who want to learn more about Florence and experience the taste of Tuscany. You will find out where the best gelaterias are hidden, where to get the best Florentine steak, what is the best olive oil and Chianti to choose from, and much more! Begin your tour at Piazza Santa Maria Novella where you will find one of the city's earliest landmarks – an incredible Dominican church. There you will learn who created the life's elixir and how you can purchase it now. Then experience local trippa and lampredotto street food as you stroll around the historic San Lorenzo Market. You will see the fabulous courtyard of Medicci-Ricardi palace, where Catherina lived. It is there where you will discover the fascinating stories about her food habits and how she stole Florentine recipes for the French court. Discover why Florentines eat pastries according to the season and why the only off-season dessert is a holy treat on your walk through Piazza Della Signoria – a home to the magnificent Neptune Fountain. Then from the Ponto Vecchio you will enjoy the best view of Florence and learn how it became the mecca of jewelers from the nasty butchy market. As opposed to other excursions, this tour will not give you boring lectures about those places, but rather tell you about who and what ate there. Remember: it is essential to try the local cuisine in order to truly understand the city!

Mini Walking Tour in Florence: Explore Piazza della Signoria
Mini Walking Tour in Florence: Explore Piazza...

This tour will introduce you to one of the highlights of the city – Piazza della Signoria. Located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio – Florence’s emblematic city hall, this iconic landmark definitely is a must-visit place and a great start for your journey through the streets of the City of Lilies. Admire the Loggia dei Lanzi and the famous Fountain of Neptune and get a glimpse of Florence’s rich and fascinating history. The free mini tour is a chance for you to see our app in work and to make sure that everything functions properly. Get to know the format of self-guided audio tours – travel at your own pace and enjoy your trip while learning interesting facts about the city. Spark your interest with this free mini tour!

Urban Exploration and Visit to the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries
Urban Exploration and Visit to the Accademia ...

The tour will take you to the enchanted world of Florence, passing through the most significant museums and focusing on Renaissance masterpieces by Michaelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other celebrated artists. The visit is a journey through the history of art and architecture. The Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery are, in fact, located along an urban route designed by the historical events that defined the fate of the city. Start the journey from the Accademia Gallery, home to Michaelangelo’s David. Then the guide will lead you to the Uffizi Museum through the monumental squares of the city. Like a dance backward in history, the tour retraces the road that the Colossus of David traveled when it had to be moved from Piazza Signoria to its current location — the Accademia Gallery. Explore Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, named after Palazzo della Signoria, an iconic symbol of civic political power. Enjoy the legendary view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the religious center of historic Florence, and learn a captivating story of the Florentine Republic while admiring Palazzo della Signoria.

Pitti Palace and the Wonder of the Palatine Gallery
Pitti Palace and the Wonder of the Palatine G...

The tour is a personalized path into the enchanting rooms of the Palatine Gallery. Here the history of architecture and art is merged with a Baroque illusion. We provide you with an election of masterpieces because few hours are not enough to understand the development of three centuries captured on the walls of the Pictorial gallery. There are some paintings and statues selected to describe the movement of art through history, crossing different styles. You'll see art masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Andrea del Sarto, Caravaggio, Tizian, Canova, Pietro da Cortona, painters of the Dutch and Flemish schools, and many more! The psychological intensity of the portraits is enough to provoke a Stendhal syndrome. Inside each canvas there are a lot of stories, landscapes, feelings called humanity. The narration of the wonder of the Palatine Gallery is a walk through history starting from the Late Renaissance.

Uffizi Gallery Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: 20 Most Famous Paintings
Uffizi Gallery Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: 20...

Discover one of the most famous art galleries in the world by learning about 20 of its most outstanding and popular artworks with this in-app audio tour! Your Renaissance odyssey in the Uffizi begins with earlier Byzantine artists like Cimabue and Giotto, through exemplars like Da Vinci and Raphael, and builds towards the Baroque movement with masterpieces by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and more. As you go deeper, you'll notice a sea change in styles; from the masculine Madonna of Giotto to Filippo Lippi's more delicate version. Lippi's presence extends to other artworks, too. He taught Botticelli – whose Birth of Venus and Primavera are among the globally famous highlights at the Uffizi. Other coveted works include Leonardo da Vinci's incomplete but riveting Adoration of the Magi, Michelangelo's Doni Tondo (the Florentines loved circular paintings), and Raphael's intimate portrait of two Medici men, Pope Leo X and his cousin who would become Pope Clement VII. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Uffizi Gallery but is provided by an independent creator.

Roman Florence: Archaeology, History, and Architecture
Roman Florence: Archaeology, History, and Arc...

This guide will accompany you on a journey into the past to discover the ancient magnificence of the Roman Florentia. The tour was carefully planned to allow you to retrace the principal phases of the discovery and the most important findings of the Roman city. Florence hides the memory of its past splendors: the defensive walls, the aqueduct, the theatre and amphitheater, the forum, the remains of paleo-Christian churches. At first, you will learn about one of the Romans’ preferred spots – the Forum and the Capitolium that were situated on the Piazza della Repubblica. Then you'll walk around the one-of-a-kind Pagliazza Tower that rests on the wall of a circular bath of the Roman Florentia and has a unique and fascinating history. On the pavement of Via del Proconsolo, you will see the traces of excavations, where once the remains of the Roman walls were discovered. And from there, the tour will bring you to the Palazzo della Signoria and Palazzo Gondi where once stood the Theater of Florentia and the Thermae Maximae – one of the major structures in the whole Roman Florence. Feel like a real archaeologist and embark on a journey in search of traces of ancient culture in the most amazing city on Earth!

Florence City Tour: Explore the Main Attractions on Foot with a Local
Florence City Tour: Explore the Main Attracti...

From a local's perspective, this walking tour explores Florence's hidden history. You'll see all the main attractions as well as off-the-beaten-track spots. The tour begins with a visit to Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Here you'll find an ancient church and why it was used for horse racing once. In addition, you'll learn why Italians are so gambling. On the way to the house of Satan, you'll see the street of beautiful women. Along that path, you'll learn about medieval Florence and how to get cheap wine at the wall holes. Palazzo Tornabuoni-Corsi is your first stop as you explore the noble palaces of Florence. You will discover who introduced lyrical opera to the world. The tour includes a stop at the famous Piazza Santa Trinita, where you will have the chance to admire many beautiful buildings of different architectural styles. It is a worthwhile opportunity to learn about Florentine gastronomy by visiting Lambretesca Street. You'll also know how many kilos of pasta and liters of coffee each Italian drinks yearly. During the last chapter of the tour, you'll find out what you can do to find good luck. You will discover the Heaven of the Innocents, built by Brunelleschi. Get ready to explore Florence with me!

Santa Croce Audio Tour: Art, Faith & Spirituality of a Real Italian Pantheon
Santa Croce Audio Tour: Art, Faith & Spiritua...

Explore one of the most special churches in Florence at your own pace and guided by an in-app audio tour created by a local guide! Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket but may be used anytime during the church's opening hours: Mo-Sa 09.30 am - 5.30 pm., Sun: 12.30 - 5.45 pm. Buy the ticket (€9) at the office counter next to the entrance on the left side of the church. The tour starts on the square in front of the church and ends in an amazing monks' dining room. As you walk through the church, you will uncover the stories of amazing Renaissance art, Franciscan faith, and spirituality. You'll see wonderful things like the Church with a typical floorplan, a devout Sacristy, richly decorated family chapels, and a Refter. Most of them contain fresco cycles, amazing paintings, and Renaissance sculptures. Discover a perfect-sized Pazzi chapel, the Cimabue Cross, and the Franciscan monks' dining room which is truly one of a kind. Last but not least: At the big nave are all kinds of monumental tombs of Italy's greatest characters like Dante, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, and Michelangelo! Note! Opening hours: Mo-Sa 09.30 am - 5.30 pm, no admission after 5 pm. Sunday and religious holidays: Epiphany (6-jan), Assumption (15 aug), All Saints (1-nov), Immaculate Conception (8-dec): from 12.30 - 5.45 pm.

Florence: Follow the Footsteps of the Iconic Michelangelo's David
Florence: Follow the Footsteps of the Iconic ...

Discover the story of Michelangelo's David guided by this engaging in-app audio tour! This tour takes you on a journey around the center of Florence through the story of its greatest treasure – David of Michelangelo! Our adventure begins in a beautiful square with a medieval church, Piazza Trinita. This spot takes you to the origins of David as a Biblical hero. When you reach the stunning Piazza del Duomo, you'll discover the story of the Opera del Duomo Museum and learn how the young Michelangelo was honored with the mission of carving David out of capricious marble. Standing on Piazza della Signoria, you will have all the time in the world to marvel at the hero guarding the Palazzo Vecchio, and to listen to why this particular artwork is so unique. Our route will then lead us to the Medici Riccardi Palace, which was visited by Michelangelo when he was 16 – and can be visited by you anytime, as a museum. Through Piazza San Marco, you will reach the Galleria dell'Accademia, where the original David of Michelangelo is housed. Our tour ends at the Casa Buonarotti Museum located in the family home acquired by Michelangelo himself. On your way to this last spot, you will listen to the stories about the genius' life and reveal the secrets of his enigmatic personality. Let's begin the adventure if you can't wait to know Michelangelo and David better!

Palazzo Vecchio In-App Audio Tour (Without a Ticket): Heart and Soul of Florence
Palazzo Vecchio In-App Audio Tour (Without a ...

Explore one of the most special buildings in Florence at your own pace and guided by an in-app audio tour created by a local guide! Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket but may be used anytime during the palazzo's opening hours: Mo-Su 09.00 am - 7 pm. Thu 09.00 am - 02.00 pm. Buy the ticket for €13,50 at the office counter on the main floor of the palazzo. 18-25 years: €10; under 18: free entrance. The tour starts on the square in front of the Palazzo with exploration of architecture & Michelangelo's David and ends in a room full of Renaissance maps on the third floor. As you walk through the Palazzo, you will uncover the stories of amazing Renaissance art and the power of the Medici family. You'll see wonderful things like huge battle frescos in the biggest public room in the world in those days. A special intimate study with a lot of gems and many other connected rooms with all different kinds of moral art messages awaits. Most of them contain fresco cycles, amazing paintings, and Renaissance sculptures. Discover a perfect-sized Eleonora chapel, the Room of the Elements, and the Room of the 500 which is truly one of a kind! Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Palazzo Vecchio but is provided by an independent creator.

Reviews about activities in Florence

Overall rating
4.1
18 ratings 12 reviews
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973dinarag
May 2024
5
Uffizi Gallery Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: 20 Most Famous Paintings
This Audio Guided Tour was unexpectedly great! I recommend everyone to use this Audio Guide. You can move at your own speed. The information from the Audio Guide was varied and interesting.
GrandTour45444528735
May 2024
5
Uffizi Gallery Ticket & In-App Audio Tour: 20 Most Famous Paintings
It is a pretty comfortable service because I received the ticket to the Gallery and the access to the audio tour right after booking. I was also pleased with the in-depth description of the items covered by the app. And the Gallery is simply amazing!
id76257
October 2022
5
An Insider's Guide to Florence's Local Food and Drink
Easy to understand and follow with evocatively told historical stories
jacopocarini
October 2022
5
An Insider's Guide to Florence's Local Food and Drink
This self-guided tour is amazing! It's full of interesting, unusual and local facts about Florence traditions that I would never know. It has been a pleasure to walk around the city in the company of the pleasant and clear voice of the guide. Highly recommended!
jacopocarini
October 2022
5
An Insider's Guide to Florence's Local Food and Drink
This self-guided tour is amazing! It's full of interesting, unusual and local facts about Florence traditions that I would never know. It has been a pleasure to walk around the city in the company of the pleasant and clear voice of the guide. Highly recommended!
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FAQ

Among the best Culture & History in Florence are the Uffizi Gallery, renowned for its unparalleled collection of Renaissance art, the Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo's David, and the opulent Pitti Palace with its Palatine Gallery. Additionally, Santa Croce Church offers profound insights into art and spirituality, while walking tours provide a narrative experience of Florence's rich history.
Besides Culture & History, visitors can indulge in Florence's culinary scene, visit the Boboli Gardens, or enjoy panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. The Ponte Vecchio offers a unique shopping experience, and wine tours in the Tuscan countryside are excellent for enjoying the region's renowned wines.
The duration of Culture & History activities in Florence can vary. A typical visit to a museum like the Uffizi or Accademia Gallery could take 2-3 hours, while exploring a site like Pitti Palace and its gardens might last half a day. Guided walking tours usually range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the itinerary and depth of the tour.
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