02/2023 - Martina Papagni
It may sound cliché, but museums are a must-see when visiting Florence. There are 72 museums in the city (yeah, many), ranging from historical palaces to art galleries, housing some of the fascinating masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Tickets for guided tours of the museums are available online. They're a great solution if you want to spend 2-3 hours away from the rain and lose yourself in the beauty of Italian history and culture. Let’s focus on the most important ones, shall we?
When in Florence, you absolutely can’t miss out on the Uffizi Gallery. Built in the 1500s, this gallery hosts an incredible collection of ancient sculptures and paintings (dating from the Middle Ages to the modern age) by renowned artists like Michelangelo, Raffaello, Caravaggio, and Giotto. Art lover or not, every tourist in Florence needs to see Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus at least once. So when the rain is pouring outside, take the chance to spend a few hours surrounded by masterpieces that made Florence world-famous!
Did you know that Michelangelo’s David has heart-shaped pupils? Yes, even the most famous art pieces in the world still have secrets. But this handsome, young marble guy is not the only reason to visit the Accademia Gallery. Thanks to its extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures, and musical instruments dating from the 13th to the 19th century, this place is a true paradise for art and music lovers. Let yourself be charmed by the astonishing realism of Giambologna’s sculptures or discover the wonders of Italian music history through the collection of the "Luigi Cherubini" Conservatory of Florence. You don’t get to enjoy the violins created by the legendary Antonio Stradivari in detail every day, do you?
Florence is full of art and culture, but above all, history. Go back in time and take a trip into Tuscany’s past by visiting the magnificent historical buildings of the “Noble” city!
One of the wonders of Florence is the majestic dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, born from the talent of the architect and designer Filippo Brunelleschi. The work on the dome occupied most of Brunelleschi's life and resulted in an extraordinary work of art that symbolised the Italian Renaissance. Even though Brunelleschi never got to see the finished result of his hard work, thousands of tourists visit Florence every year to admire his creation and acknowledge his technical and mathematical genius. Book your tour of the dome and discover every detail of this masterpiece, up to the lantern on its roof. Why not take some beautiful pictures of a rainy Florence from up above?
Palazzo Vecchio is one of the symbols of the Florentine Renaissance and one of the most beloved places by locals. Located in Piazza Della Signoria, the palace is ideal for spending a couple of hours sheltered from the rain and discovering the most intriguing details of this historical place, along with all the most curious events and fun facts of Florentine history. Here’s a sneak peek: according to an old Florentine saying, it will rain when the weather vane at the top of the palace tower points towards the river Arno. And if you haven’t gotten the chance to visit Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, a replica of the world-famous statue awaits you right at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio!
Florence is full of museums and historic buildings, but don’t forget the most important landmarks of this city: the churches. Florence is best known for its architectural masterpieces, designed and built by some of the most creative minds in the Italian artistic scene. A few raindrops are not enough to erase the regal beauty of Florence, and a tour of its churches will prove it to you! The historical religious architecture of the city will undoubtedly take your breath away, from the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Basilica of S. Giovanni, the Basilica of S. Croce, and the church of S. Lorenzo (one of the oldest churches in the city).
Nothing’s better than a rainy day to enjoy a tasty meal and a glass of the finest wine. And there’s no place like Florence to enjoy the best Italian cuisine!
Why not take advantage of a rainy day to sample Tuscan cuisine? The Mercato Centrale of Florence is the perfect place to dive into the local culinary tradition, with delicious delicacies prepared by expert artisans who know food to its soul. Buy some fresh ingredients to try your hand at delicious Italian recipes. You can even book a table at the market's restaurant and sample dishes from culinary experts. Whatever you decide, the Mercato Centrale offers you an authentic cultural experience.
A rainy day is perfect for all you wine lovers out there! In addition to the many bars and restaurants serving fine wines, Florence is teeming with enoteche (wine shops) where you can enjoy excellent local wines. To experience the best of Tuscany's vineyards, visit Piazza del Vino, a well-stocked and specialised wine shop just outside the historic centre, away from the crowds of tourists. You won’t be thinking about the rain between a glass of Montepulciano and Chianti anymore! Cheers — or better yet, Cin Cin!
So, what do you think? Perhaps you'll be wishing for more rain during your stay in Florence!