Firenze is a frenzy of museums, art galleries and piazzas. The city itself is even like an open-air museum, as many pieces of art can be experienced in situ in churches and piazzas as they were meant to be seen. However, first-timers to Florence may want to get in all the classics: from the Galleria degli Uffizi, home to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo Da Vinci; the Galleria dell’Accademia, which features Michelangelo’s magnificent David in all its radiant beauty; and not forgetting the polychrome exterior of Santa Maria Del Flore, the Duomo, with Brunelleschi's dome that dominates the city’s skyline. You’ll also want to visit perhaps one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Ponte Vecchio. Erected in 1345, this Roman arched bridge sits atop the River Arno and is the only crossing to have survived the Second World War. Once you make it to the south side, head to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in sweeping views of the city, all overlooked by a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David.
However, if you’re looking to avoid the masses at the above, there are many alternatives which also cover the who’s who of Renaissance art. While at the cathedral, ignore the queues and duck into the smaller Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, where sculptures that once packed the Duomo and Baptistery are exhibited. The central courtyard displays Ghiberti's original Gates of Paradise from the Baptistery, so you can admire up close all their golden splendour. You can also quietly contemplate Michelangelo's Pietà, which once stood in the Duomo. The hooded figure of Nicodemus is often interpreted as a self-portrait and it is believed that he intended this sculpture for his own tomb.
If you’re in search of some classic Donatello, the Bargello is where it’s at. Within these old prison walls, serenity reins. Inside a majestic 14th-century hall on the first floor, you’ll find Donatello’s clothed marble David, accompanied by his later bronze David in all his nude glory – which at first scandalised Renaissance Florence. Meanwhile, the lower courtyard is like a Michelangelo bingo, with his Brutus, Bacchus, Apollo and Pitti Tondo on full show. Proof that if you want you own quiet, almost-private, experience of Renaissance art, the lesser-known museums are the place to be.
First flight to be operated on March 30th 2020, Luxair offers up to 2 weekly flights to Florence from €149 return including taxes, services included at no extra cost.