Chianti
In the heart of central Tuscany, the Chianti region remains famous for the varieties of wine by the same name. About 30 km south of Florence, this region has green hills and countless vineyards that dot the countryside. The area also boasts a long, rich history of the different cultures that occupied the area dating back to the Bronze Age.
Duomo
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or Duomo for short, is one of Italy’s largest churches, and tops the list of places to visit in Florence. The impressive Gothic architecture features an ornate exterior, stained glass windows, and a cavernous interior. Two popes are buried here, and three of the buildings are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fiesole
Set in the hills 8 km northeast of Florence, this ancient village shows signs of its history. Crumbling walls are visible around the city, remnants of Etruscan culture. The town’s outdoor theatre dates back to Roman times, and is still used today. Additional sights include ancient cathedrals and villas of wealthy Florentines from the Renaissance.
Mugello
Mugello is a region in Tuscany situated in a valley north of Florence. The valley includes six villages: Borgo San Lorenzo, Scarperia, Barberino di Mugello, San Piero a Sieve, Vicchio, and San Godenzo. The area is home to the Mugello Circuit, a motocross speedway.
Oltrarno
The name literally means beyond the Arno, the river that runs through Florence. On this side of the city, Piazzale Michelangelo provides a postcard-perfect view of Florence and the hills beyond. Palazzo Pitti has a rich history, and today houses a large number of museums and art galleries. The eclectic mix of Florentines living in Oltrarno make it a must-see for anyone seeking an authentic Florence experience.
Peretola Airport (FLR)
Peretola is the airport that services the city of Florence, and one of the two main airports in Tuscany (a larger airport is located in Pisa). It is approximately 8 km from central Florence, connected by bus service.
San Lorenzo
The centerpiece of this Florence neighborhood is the Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of the largest churches in the city. Located near the city's main market, the most celebrated aspect of this structure may be the Cappelle Medicee. Also notable is the Laurentian Library, which was conceived and built by Michelangelo.
San Marco
San Marco is a church and monastery set in Florence, dating back to the 15th century. The most notable aspects of San Marco are the frescos by Fra Angelico, a much-revered Renaissance painter. A museum is on site, and tours are available.
Santa Croce
A large piazza greets visitors arriving at Santa Croce, the principle Franciscan church in Florence. This large complex dates back to the 13th century, and is the burial place for many notable Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. The halls of this church are decorated with frescoes by Giotto.
Santa Maria Novella Station
Santa Maria Novella Station is the main train station in Florence, with high-speed rail connections to Rome and Bologna. The station is in central Florence, situated near local landmarks like the Arno River, Santa Maria Novella, and Giardini della Fortezza.