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 Contemporary art collection |
Piazza della Signoria, 5 Florence 50122 Italy |
Over the course of his life the engineer Alberto della Ragione collected a series of works of contemporary art which were donated to the Florence council in 1970. The engineer was not only passionate about art but came into direct contact with the artists of the period, supporting them in their most difficult moments. He helped to organize exhibitions to help them gain recognition, and acquired many works himself. His collection gathers together works from the period 1930-45 ,the generation of artists who participated in the renewal of Italian culture between the two wars. There are the landscapes and the still-lifes of De Pisis and Mafai, the group of canvasses by Risai and the works of Gottuso, Morandi, Carra' and Casorati, passing through cubism, abstract and futurist art. Furthermore there are several sculptures, one of The horses of Marino Marini and the famous Paulette of Lucio Fontana. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Collection of archaeological finds |
Via della Colonna, 38 Florence 50121 Italy +39 55 2 3575 |
Like other collections, the Archaeological Museum has its origins in the collections of the Grand Dukes, both Medici and Forensi, whose works of art were initially, kept in the Uffizi. The museum is divided into three sections: the topographical museum of Etruria, the Etrusco-Helletian-Roman Antiquarium and the Egyptian collection. The collection, which has Etruscan civilization at its heart, was begun by Cosimo the Old (15th Century), but was enlarged particularly by Cosimo I and in the 18th Century by Cardinal Leopold. The Egyptian section was created by Lorena and is mostly made up of archaeological finds which were recovered during a Franco-Tuscan expedition at the beginning of the 19th Century. The Austrians increased the size of the Etruscan collection and it was studied in its entirety by their experts. The museum also contains glass, gems, Greek ceramics and a numismatic collection. In the garden, Etruscan tombs and funeral monuments are reconstructed. Admission: EUR 4 (without reservation), EUR 3 (with reservation). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J. C. Cuesta |
 Photo: Giorgio Verdiani |
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Antiquarian treasure trove. |
Piazza de' Mozzi, 1 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 234 2427 |
The building was constructed by an antiques dealer, Stefano Bardini, at the end of the 19th century and was left to the city council in 1922, together with his wide ranging collection. (sculptures, paintings, furniture, ceramics, tapestries, weapons, carpets, musical instruments, sarcophagi, tombstones, and funeral monuments.) The construction is unique in its use of doors, windows, and arches from churches or ruined villas and with Venetian and Tuscan wooden ceilings. As well as the Roman sarcophagi and column-heads there are sculptures by Della Robbia and works of art attributed to Donatello. One crypt-like room has a collection of tomb stones and funeral monuments in it. The collection of ancient musical instruments is also of note. Closed at present for works.Admission: EUR 6 and includes entry to the Museo delle Porcellane, Giardino di Boboli, Museo degli Argenti and the Galleria del Costume. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marius Kleiner |
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Paintings and sculpture |
Via del Proconsolo, 4 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 238 8606 |
The building which contains the Bargello dates back to 1255. In the 16th century it became the residence of the Bargello (head of police) and doubled as a prison. Then halfway through the 19th century it was given to the National museum. A visit begins with the splendid courtyard and the ground floor room where some of Michelangelo's masterpieces are exhibited, including the bust of Brutus and the David-Apollo statue. There are several of the early works of Donatello on the first floor, amongst them statues of David in marble and of St George and David in bronze. Also here are terracottas, glazed by Luca della Robbia, of the Virgin Mary with Child. The museum bought some minor decorative art including ivories from the Roman and the Byzantine periods, medieval enamels, German and French goldsmith's art and Renaissance jewelery. It also has an important collection of small bronzes and weapons. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Medici Family Library |
Piazza San Lorenzo 9 Florence 50123 Italy +39 055 211 590 http://www.bml.firenze.sbn.it/ |
Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana (Laurentian Library) could be considered the Medici's family's library. Located to the left of San Lorenzo church (entrance on second floor through San Lorenzo cloister), the library was founded by Cosimo il Vecchio but it was Lorenzo the Magnificent who consistently enlarged the book collections. The monumental vestibule was designed by Michelangelo, with a large staircase, grey sandstone framework of columns, pilasters, and corbels standing out against whitewashed walls. He also designed the beautiful wooden ceiling and carved benches/reading desks of the Reading Room. The library contains thousands of manuscripts, especially relating to Florentine Renaissance including autographs of Petrarch and Boccaccio, illuminated codices, and an uncommon collection of about 2,500 papyri. Admission: Free. Maria Frullini Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Botanical gardens |
Via La Pira, 4 Florence 50121 Italy +39 0552757471 |
The Botanical museum is one of the youngest museums of Florence. It was created by the wish of the Lorena through a collaboration with the famous botanist, Filippo Parlatore. He contributed not only his private collection, but also made exchanges and international acquisitions which made the museum the richest of its kind in Italy and one of the most renowned in the world. Only a small part of this enormous collection is open to the public. It includes prize-winning vegetables, plant models, old herbariums and botanical manuscripts. The rare and valuable collection of wax models by Calamai and Tortori (before 1800) and a herbal code (painted at the end of the 15th century) are recommended. Next to the museum there is the "Garden of simple things", made from the old Medici vegetable garden created by Cosimo I and now one of the oldest in the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Royal carriages on display |
Piazza Pitti, 1 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 238 8614 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
The museum is located in the round intersection to the right of the Palazzo Pitti. It contains a collection of the carriages which belonged to the ruling families of Savoy and Lorena between the 17th and 19th centuries. The museum is currently closed to the public for restoration. Admission: by request only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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House built to commemorate the poet |
Via Santa Margherita, 1 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 21 9416 |
This is actually not Dante's house - it was built in 1910 to commemorate the poet who did live in this area. The house holds a museum of Dante relics (including various editions of the Divine Comedy), and some of the rooms are used for temporary exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher McVey |
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An interesting museum |
Piazza Duomo 9 Florence 50122 Italy |
This museum has been totally renovated and is located behind the Duomo. The museum shelters many works of art from the Duomo (cathedral), Campanile (bell tower) and Battistero (Baptistery), such as the statue of Boniface VIII, the work of Arnolfo di Cambo, or Donatello's Saint John and Magdalene. The furnishings are also important, for example, the silver altar from the Battistero and the restored panels of the "Gates of Paradise". Admission: EUR 6. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Museum of Florentine History |
Via dell'Oriuolo, 24 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 261 6545 |
The museum occupies the site of what used to be the convent of the Pious Sisters of the order of Oblates. The core exhibition, in the house of Buonarroti, obtained collections of drawings and paintings from the Uffizi and showed Florence when it was the capital of Italy. The transformation of Florence can be seen through its documentation in paintings, prints and plastics from the Renaissance to the end of the last century. The most important piece is the "Map of the succession", which is a large 19th century reproduction of a 1740 etching which showed Florence at the height of its Renaissance splendour. There are also views of Florence and lunettes which show the main Medici residences. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Prehistory |
Via S. Egidio, 21 Florence 50125 Italy |
This collection brings together the Prehistoric remains of Florence. The time-line goes from the stone-age up to the dawn of the historic age and shows the various phases of human evolution, from subsistence economies to pastoral economies and metal working. Objects taken from these times include implements made of stone, bone, ceramics, weapons made of copper and bronze as well as human, animal and plant remains found during archaeological digs which have taken place in Italy and abroad since the 19th century. The museum exhibition goes in chronological order starting from the Palaeolithic and ending at the Iron Age. There are zones dedicated to Africa, Asia and the Americas. The museum is closed on Sundays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sculpture Collection |
Piazza Santo Spirito 29 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 287043 http://www.comune.firenze.it/s... |
This small but interesting museum is housed in the ancient refectory of the Augustinian Church of Santo Spirito. Decorated with frescoes by Andrea Orcagna depicting the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, the museum takes its name after Salvatore Romano, a collector and antique dealer who donated his sculptures to Florence's City Council. Featuring works of Tino da Camaino, Donatello, Jacopo della Quercia and others, the collection includes antique furnishings, detached frescoes, architectural reliefs and sculptures dating from Romanesque to Renaissance ages. -Maria Frullini Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Photographic collection and instruments |
Largo Alinari, 15 Florence 50123 Italy +39 55 2 3951 |
This museum was the first national institution dedicated exclusively to exhibiting photography. It keeps around 350,000 vintage prints, including those printed with albumen, bromide, on salted paper, calotypes, ambertypes and stereoscope. It unites the collections of Malandrini, Palazzoni, Zannier, Gabba and holds copies of the signatures of the greatest photographers of the 19th century including Alinari, Primoli, Peretti Griva and foreigners like MacPherson, Fenton and Von Gloeden. There are also many cameras, lenses and other objects from the history of photography including an impressive collection of both foreign and Italian photographic albums. The museum organises temporary exhibitions, normally in collaboration with the Alinari archives. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Natural history museum |
Via La Pira, 4 Florence 50121 Italy +39 55 275 7536 |
This museum is the most important of its kind in Italy and gathers together some 300,000 examples of fossilized vertebrates, invertebrates and plants as well as rock samples. Visitors should also take note of the anthropoid monkey of the Maremma, the imprints of Mesozoic reptiles and the non-aviatory birds from New Zealand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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History of science collection |
Piazza dei Giudici, 1 Florence 50112 Italy +39 55 239 8876 |
The heart of the collection centers on the natural, physical and mathematical sciences which so interested the Medici and Lorena Grand Dukes. It was thanks to Abbot Felice Fontana that the existing Museum of Physical and Natural sciences at the Palazzo Pitti was strengthened. One part of the museum is dedicated solely to the Medici collections, this includes the quadrants, astrolabes, sun dials, compasses and calipers and all the works of art which were created by the great craftsmen of Tuscany and Europe. One of the other wings is dedicated to mechanical, electrostatic and pneumatic instruments which were prevalent in the Lorena period. Admission: EUR 7.50 (adults), EUR 4 (youth, 7-18 years). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Markle1 |
 Photo: Jonathan Frazier |
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Personal collection |
Via de' Benci, 6 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 24 4661 |
This museum contains works of art by Herbert P. Horne (1864-1916) which he left to the Italian state together with the 15th century palazzo where he had collected them. The museum has kept the same order and style as the collector and it includes works of art, furniture and furnishings that give the house a lived-in quality. It is interesting to see the series of domestic objects: pocket mirrors, firedogs for the fireplace and other objects characterize the tastes of Horne and his search for refinement. There are also several 15th and 16th century paintings and a group of works from Florentine and Sienese artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Hawke |
 Photo: Neil Hawke |
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Scientific and natural history collection |
Via Romana, 17 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 228 8251 |
The museum's oldest core collection, like all of the Florentine museums, comes from the Medici collections. The Medici collected many natural treasures like fossils, animals, minerals and exotic plants. It was Pietro Leopoldo of Lorena who acquired the buildings and who created the Natural History Museum complete with its own library. At present the museum is more of a research institute, exhibiting to the public only a small part of the collection with examples of taxidermy and the prestigious collection of anatomical wax works. The most important parts of this collection come from an exponent of Florentine wax working, Clemente Susini (1754-1814). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jane Irwin |
 Photo: Jane Irwin |
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Sculpture collection |
Piazza San Pancrazio Florence 50123 Italy +39 55 21 9432 |
The museum, which can found in the deconsecrated church of San Pancrazio, contains around 180 works of art by Marino Marini, one of the major sculptors of the 20th century. There are sculptures, pictures, drawings and etchings which have been donated by the artist and his wife Marina. At the center of the exhibition there is the Equestrian group of Aja(1957). Marino believed that light was important to understand his work and this has been taken into account in the museum environment. + Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennella Young |
 Photo: Jennella Young |
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Handiwork of Michelangelo |
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini Florence, FI Italy +39 55 29 4883 |
The Medici Chapels are historical labors that are as grand in their own way as are the pyramids of Egypt. Started in 1605, these shrines were under construction for centuries. 85 years earlier Michelangelo was tasked to design and build the New Sacristy from one of the Medici cardinals Giulio de' Medici, (remembered in history as Pope Clement VII) dedicated to the memory of Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). The bodies of several other Medici family members are interred in the Cappelle Medicee, most notably Lorenzo the Magnificent, Giuliano de' Medici (his brother, killed during the Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478) and all of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Typical of a spiritual leader he was obsessed with the here-after and the creation of these intricate chapels testifies to that. Of artistic note are actual charcoal sketches by Michelangelo's own hand. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Noodlefish |
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A Classic of Renaissance Sculpture |
Galleria dell'Accademia Via Ricasoli, 60 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 238 8609 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
The world-renowned David, sculpted by Michelangelo between 1500 and 1504, is considered, along with the Pietà, the masterpiece of its creator who was only 26 years old at that time. Made out of an irregular block of marble, the statue portrays the biblical hero David before entering his battle against Goliath. It symbolizes the youth and strengh and is known to represent the power of the Florentine Republic. Originally, the statue stood in front of the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. For a better preservation, it has been removed from outdoors and is now displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia. A copy of the statue remains on the Piazza della Signoria. Admission: 6.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Natural history museum |
Via La Pira, 4 Florence 50121 Italy |
It was Ferdinando II who employed a Dane, Niels Stensen, to integrate the Medici family's collections into one mineral collection. The Lorena family added to this, transforming it from a collection of objects to a collection which could be studied, classified and compared. In the museum there are around 35,000 mineral samples. They are divided into five sections: the "General collection" (including a topaz of 151kg and nuggets of gold, platinum and diamond), the "Regional collection of Italy" (containing 5000 minerals from the Elba), the "Meteorites section" , the "Lithological section" and the "Carved Stones". Their value is more historical and aesthetic than mineralogical. . Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Artworks & Orchestras |
Piazza di Santo Stefano Florence 50122 Italy +39 055 223 205 |
Owing the latter part of its name to its proximity to the Ponte Vecchio, Chiesa di Santo Stefano al Ponte was first mentioned in recorded history in 1116 although its Romanesque architecture suggest it is actually much older. A mixture of features such as its Roman façade, Medieval entryway, and altars that date to Renaissance times make visible its long and varied history. Now deconsecrated, the church is home to the Orchestra Regionale Toscana and offers a stunningly authentic acoustic and cultural setting to experience some of Italy's best classical music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Unique Photography Museum |
Piazza Santa Maria Novella 14a at the Leopoldine Florence 50123 Italy + 39 55 216310 http://www.alinarifondazione.it |
The "Museo Nazionale Alinari della Fotografia" (Alinari National Museum of photography) or MNAF as it is referred to, is a sort of itinerary into the history of photography from 1800 to the contemporary avant-garde. Displays feature not only Alinari, but other Italian and international works as well. The museum contains over three million negatives, about 900,000 vintage prints, and a great number of photographic albums. A collection of cameras and other objects related to photography is also on display, and a special exhibition has been created for visually disabled visitors; a "Touch Museum" consisting of about twenty of the museum's significant photos printed in relief. -Maria Frullini Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Collection of Medici valuables |
Piazza Pitti, 1 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 238 8710 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
Originally the Summer apartment of the Grand Duke, this gallery houses a highly prestigious collection of gold, enamels, cameos, crystals and stone workings which were originally collected by the Medici and the Lorena. Amongst the most significant pieces are the stone vases (which belonged to Lorenzo the Magnificent), German ivories from the 17th century, a vase made from lapis lazuli by Buonalenti and the jewels of the Salzburg Prince-Bishops. The Great room is painted with frescoes by Giovanni da San Giovanni which celebrate the marriage between Ferdinando II and Vittoria delle Rovere in 1634. The whole place reverberates with Medici history from the time of Lorenzo the Magnificent.Museo delle Porcellane, Giardino di Boboli, Museo del Costume and the Museo Bardini. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Typical Florentine house |
Via Porta Rossa, 13 Florence 50123 Italy +39 055 238 8610 http://www.sbas.firenze.it/ |
The museum is found in a narrow and characteristic side-street which connects Piazza Santa Trinità with Via dei Calzaiuoli. The building is one of the most beautiful and best conserved of the 14th century. It was built halfway though the 14th Century by the Davizzi family and was passed over to the Davanzati at the beginning of the 16th Century where it remained until 1838. It then was divided up and it was only at the beginning of the 20th Century that it was bought and restored to the style of the old Florentine building. This was due to the efforts of the new owners, the antiquarian Elia Volpi and Leopoldo Bengujat. The interior has three floors and all the areas of the building have the original fired brick flooring and wooden ceilings. Some of the painting is original and the walls have been frescoed to the taste of the typical 14th Century Florentine house. The furniture and furnishings are from the 14th to the 19th Centuries. The Nuptial room has 14th Century frescoes and contains two shrines and a chest filled with linen from the period. They have tried to reconstruct the work which the women did around the house. In the kitchen there is not only the household equipment of their daily life, but also the work tools, for example, the loom and the spinning wheel. The area under the building is used for antiques exhibitions and has been the site of archaeological finds. The museum is temporarily closed for renovation, but it is possible for groups to access the second floor upon request. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Abuja |
 Photo: Andrea Hankinson |
 Photo: Andrea Hankinson |
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Historical residence |
Via Cavour, 1 Florence 50129 Italy +39 55 276 0340 |
This building was constructed between 1444 and 1460 by Michelozzo Michelozzi on the orders of Cosimo il Vecchio. It represents the prototype of the Florentine Renaissance style, characterized by mullioned windows of every size. Halfway through the 17th century it was sold to the Marchesi Riccardi family who enlarged it, adding the gallery which has Baroque frescoes by Luca Giordano. The Riccardi family held onto the palazzo until 1814 when it became the site of the Ministry of the Interior and, from 1871, the Prefecture. Inside there is a beautifully porticoed courtyard where there are many Roman remains gathered as well as various sculptures. The Chapel which was designed by Michelozzi is also noteworthy. There you will find frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli which show the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem (1459). Within them, there are various famous people of the period including Lorenzo the Magnificient and Galeazzo Maria Sforza. Go early - only 8 guests permitted in at once! Admission: EUR 5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historical building |
Piazza della Signoria Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 276 8224 |
The Palazzo's construction began in 1299 and it was enlarged repeatedly - in 1343, 1495 and lastly in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari and Buontalenti. It has been the symbol and the political centre of the city for centuries. The Great room of the Cinquecento stands out: it was designed as a reception area and decorated with frescoes celebrating Florentine victories against the other Tuscan cities and with sculptures depicting the deeds of Hercules by De Rossi. On the upper floors the Quarters of the elements are noteworthy as are those of Eleonora of Toledo who was the wife of Cosimo I and to whom the little chapel by Bronzino is dedicated. The Sala dei Gigli and the Sala dell'Audienza, which has a marble entrance, are sumptuous. On the Mezzanine there is the Loeser collection of painted sculptures. It is recommended that you visit the upper balcony where you can enjoy a fabulous view of Florence. In front of the museum, you'll find a copy of Michelangelo's David. Admission: EUR 6 for adults, EUR 4.50 for young people (18-25 years old) and seniors (65 and up). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ex-Royal residence |
Piazza Pitti, 1 Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 238 8614 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
Halfway through the 15th century Luca Pitti entrusted Brunelleschi with a large building project in the Boboli hills. Work began in 1457 but was only completed after the middle of the 16th century by the Medici brought it from Pitti who went bankrupt in the process of trying to outdo the palatial splendor the Medici. The building was enlarged, the interior decorated luxuriously and the Boboli hills were landscaped into gardens. It then became the residence of the Lorena family who constructed, in the 18th century, two lateral wings with porticoes which came round either side of the central piazza. It was the residence of Vittorio Emanuele II when Florence was the capital from 1865 to 1871. In 1919 it became state property and visitors were permitted entry to the Royal Apartments, the Galleria Palatina, the Museo degli Argenti, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, the Galleria del Costume, the Museo delle Porcellane, the Museo delle Carrozze (closed for restoration) and the Giardino di Boboli. Temporary exhibitions are shown in the White Room. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Porcelain Collection |
Casino del Cavaliere Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 238 8605 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
Situated inside the Boboli gardens, this collection consists mainly of table porcelain used by the Grand Ducal and Royal households of the Medici, Lorena and Savoy families. The collection is divided by national origin and by manufacturer: Italian and French porcelain is displayed along with pieces from Doccia, the local Florentine factory. The collection of French porcelain from Sevres was brought to Florence from Savoy and part of it is a gift from Napoleon I to his sister Elisa Baiocchi who was the Duchess of Tuscany from 1809 to 1814. Admission: EUR 6 and includes entry to the Museo delle Costume, Giardino di Boboli, Museo degli Argenti and the Museo Bardini. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristen Lanum |
 Photo: Jess Zimmerman |
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Museum of ceramics |
Viale Pratese, 31 Florence 50019 Italy |
Situated a few kilometres from Florence, this museum records the production of majolica and ceramics by the Manifattura di Doccia from its foundation in 1737 up to the second half of the 20th century. The museum houses some 7000 pieces, not only tableware such as tea and coffee pots but also more unusual things such as barber's basins, statues, and church furnishings. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions in the Sala del Fondatore on the ground floor and monthly courses on ceramic painting. You can pay for a guided tour but it must be pre-booked. There is a bookshop and a ceramics shop at the entrance. The 'Museo delle Terre', on the ground floor, is also of interest. The multicoloured slips and clays which are used for the production and decoration of the ceramics are shown here. The museum is closed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Shoe museum |
Piazza S. Trinità, 5r Florence 50123 Italy +39 55 336 0456 |
Salvatore Ferragamo, born in a small town near Naples and immigrated to the United States, could not possibly foresee his fortune in the shoe industry. From a small shop in Santa Barbara, California, he started to repair and then create his own shoes for the most famous stars in Hollywood. When he returned to the country of his birth, this time to Florence, he opened his first store in 1927, exporting his unique Italian to the rest of the world. Some of his famous clients were Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Rodolfo Valentino and Greta Garbo. The museum can be found in the beautiful Spini Ferroni building. It contains thousands of shoes which are the evidence of what was produced by Ferragamo from 1927 until his death in 1960. Admission: EUR 5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Monastery and collection of work by Angelico |
Piazza San Marco Florence 50121 Italy +39 55 238 8608 / +39 55 238 8704 http://www.sbas.firenze.it/ |
This museum is situated in an old Dominican monastery, restored and enlarged by Michelozzo under the wishes of Cosimo the Old of the Medici family. A visit is divided between the perfectly conserved 15th Century monastery and the museum which dedicates itself to Angelico. There is the famous Crucifixion which was painted in the Great room of the Capital and amongst the tableaux there are the early works of Angelico, notably the altar frontal with Universal Judgment and the Deposition. The museum also has a fresco of the Last Supper which was painted by Ghirlandaio at the end of the 15th Century. It is possible to visit the simple cell where Savonarola lived and where Cosimo il Vecchio retired to meditate. In the cells there are masterpieces like the Annunciation, the Transfiguration and the Crowning of the Virgin. In the library there are a series of finely drawn manuscripts, which were written inside the convent. Underneath the convent, there are precious relics, which were saved from 19th century destruction, as well as a fascinating collection of bells. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Oldham |
 Photo: srg3037 |
 Photo: Katie E. Clark |
 Photo: Carul Mare |
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Works of art |
Piazza Santa Croce, 16 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 24 4619 |
The museum is located in rooms of the Convent of Santa Croce. You can see frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi and Orcagna which were rediscovered under the 16th century plaster. The most important piece is the large gilded bronze of San Lodovio di Tolosa which was made by Donatello in 1423. In the other rooms there are terracottas made by the Robbia family, the remains of the 14th century windows, and works by Bronzino, Vasari and other artists. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Linda Jones |
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Armour and armaments collection |
Via F. Stibbert, 26 Florence 50134 Italy +39 55 47 5520 |
In the second half of the 19th century Federico Stibbert amassed a rich and varied collection of art in his villa on the Montughi hill. Passed on to the city of Florence in 1906, it consists of around 60 rooms of paintings, furniture and porcelain from around the world. The collection reflects Stibbert's passion for weapons and armor: an impressive variety of rare pieces document equipment and armaments from the 15th to the 17th century. The European armor stands out, but there are also Oriental, Persian, Indian, Islamic and Indonesian examples. The most impressive room is called the Cavalcade in which there are displays of numerous horses with riders in full dress. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Giulia Fedel |
 Photo: Piper |
 Photo: liasierramaria |
 Photo: Andrea Zoltanetzky |
 Photo: Jay M. Hinton |