Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 50136, Florence Italy
Florence’s first major marketplace, known now as the Mercato Vecchio, or “Old Market” was
demolished as part of the city’s renovations during the mid-nineteenth century. The structure
housing the Central Market was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, an Italian architect best
known for
the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a massive arcade in Milan named in honor of the king of Italy.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Museo di San Marco, Piazza di San Marco 3, 50121, Florence Italy
The religious complex was renovated during the fifteenth century through the funding of the Medici
family. The current monastery stands on the site of a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the
12th century. The monastery was designed by the famous Florentine architect Michelozzo, who
was a close friend of Cosimo the Elder, the head of the Medici family. Michelozzo even
specially
constructed a cell in San Marco for Cosimo’s private retreat.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Galleria dell'Accademia, Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50122, Florence Italy
This institution was founded in 1784, when the Grand Duke of Tuscany determined that all art
schools in Florence should be located in one place. Though
the Accademia displays works by several
Renaissance artists, by far the most famous piece in its collection is Michelangelo’s statue of David.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Piazza della Signoria, 50122, Florence Italy
It was named for the Palazzo della Signoria, or town hall. The Signoria was the governing body of the
Florentine Republic. The palazzo is located on your left as you enter the square from Via dei Gondi.
Florence’s town hall was constructed in 1299 by Arnolfo di Cambio, the same architect who designed
the cathedral. Cambio’s façade remains intact, though the elegant marble frieze over the entrance
wasn’t added until 1528.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Ponte Vecchio, 50125, Florence Italy
This is the narrowest part of
the river, and there has been a bridge located here since Roman times
in the 1st century A.D. The first bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1117. It was rebuilt but
destroyed again in 1333. In 1345, the current bridge was constructed. A tower was also built at the
southeast corner in order to defend the bridge during attacks on the city.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Santa Croce 16, 50122, Florence Italy
The current church was most likely designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1295 and stands on the site of the
original oratory built by the first Franciscan friars to journey to Florence. The basilica has a Tau Cross
floorplan, which resembles the capital letter “T”. This symbol is one of the traditional emblems of
Saint Francis. The vast, austere interior of the church is characteristic of Franciscan aesthetics, with
an open timber roof and a single, wide nave leading to the altar.
Duration: 15 minutes