Florence, Italy has long been known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and when you visit you’ll be astounded by the way the city’s history has been preserved. While most of the area’s most stunning attractions can be found in the historic district alone, you’ll find that there are incredible sights at every turn.

Preparing to visit Florence? Here are ten sights you won’t want to miss!

10. Campanile

Image credit: Ugbar is back

Start your trip by heading towards Duomo where you’ll stumble upon the Gothic bell tower known as Campanile. The tower was designed somewhere between 1266 and 1337 by Giotto. After climbing over 400 stairs you’ll be rewarded with a view of the city that is guaranteed to take your breath away!

9. Piazza della Signoria

Image credit: Robert Scarth

The square at Piazza della Signoria has been a part of the history of Florence for hundreds of years. The “bonfire of the vanities” was held here back in 1497 and its leader, Friar Savonarola, was later executed here as well. The square is also home to a number of 14^th century statues including Loggia dei Lanzi and the Neptune Fountain.

8. Santa Croce

Image credit: dann:’

The church at Santa Croce is one of the most controversial and famous in all of Florence. Within the church walls you’ll find the tombs, graves, and memorials belonging to Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolo Machiavelli, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Dante Alighieri. True fact – Galileo wasn’t given a proper Christian burial until almost 100 years after his death as punishment for attempting to prove that the Earth was not the center of the entire universe!

7. Anfiteatro Romano

Image credit: comakut

The Roman amphitheater known as Anfiteatro Romano dates as far back as the 1^st century BC, seats a mere 2,000 patrons, and is still in use today. Surrounding the theater itself are remains of a number of other buildings including the Roman baths at Terme Romani. Two small museums also sit on the grounds and house archeological artifacts and paintings depicting the history of the amphitheater and the surrounding area.

6. Palazzo Vecchio

Image credit: Strocchi

Originally constructed in the late 1200’s and early 1300’s by Arnolfo di Cambio, the castle known as Palazzo Vecchio now serves as Florence’s city hall. The castle was originally built to serve as a government building, was abandoned for a short period of time, and then became the most recent City Hall again. Make sure you visit the two most famous rooms in the building: Sala dei Cinquecento and Studiolo. The first honors the 500-member council that used to meet there while the other served as the study for Cosimo I’s son Francesco.

5. Mercado Centrale

Image credit: echiner1

The market at Mercado Centrale is in a two-story building housing dozens of incredible food stalls. On the first floor you’ll find vendors selling meats and cheeses as well as a few places where you can relax by grabbing a bite to eat. The second floor is overflowing with produce stalls. The market is an incredible destination for both visitors and locals.

4. Le Cascine

Image credit: haycarrieanne

Once private property owned by the Medici, Le Cascine was opened to the public towards the end of the 19^th century. The two-mile park spans over 291 acres and is a favorite destination for bikers, joggers, skaters, and people watchers alike. Keep your eyes peeled for the piazzaletto dell’Indiano – a moving monument dedicated to the Marajah of Kolepoor Raharam Cuttraputti.

3. Forte di Belvedere

Image credit: orsorama

Forte di Belvedere once served as a military base designed to protect Florence against invaders. Built in 1590, the fortress is one of the best places in the area to catch a breathtaking glimpse of the entire city. If you look in one direction you’ll see the city and all of its major monuments while in the other direction you’ll see the beautiful hillside.

2. Bargello

Image credit: CFuga

Bargello once served as the main office of the chief magistrate as well as a prison. Pictures of the most wanted men in Florence were usually painted on the exterior walls. The building is now home to Museo Nazionale, which houses a gigantic collection of Renaissance artwork from masters like Michelangelo, Donatello, and Cellini. You’ll also find a collection of bronze statues, military artifacts, and ceramic pieces.

1. Galleria delgi Uffizi

Image credit: cfwee

One of the most astounding galleries in Florence, this incredible collection is located on the top floor of the Palazzo delgi Uffizi. The building was mainly used as the administrative offices for the Medici grand duke Cosimo I, but was later partially opened to the public. This, in essence, made it the first public museum in Europe. It currently houses a huge collection of paintings by popular Renaissance artists, statues, and other pieces of incredible artwork. Mornings are generally very crowded, so visit later in the day if you’d like a more relaxed atmosphere.

The city of Florence is prepared to welcome you with open arms. Add a few of these incredible attractions to your itinerary and you’ll be off to a wonderful start upon your arrival. Relax and enjoy your trip!