Hidden Gems of Florence

Florence is one of the most discovered, conserved, documented, and visited cities in the world - yet many visitors contstantly are seeking things "off the beaten path" or "hidden". In truth, nothing is hidden anymore in this magical city - although there are some places that are definitely worth visiting that you may not get to unless you have been to Florence several times.

The articles gathered here offer up some of those lesser visited sites, works of art, and areas of the city where you just may have a moment of discovery, while not being surrounded by hundreds of other tourists, or point out some details that while in front of the masses are easily overlooked.

Badia Fiorentina

Nestled just off Piazza San Firenze, the Badia Fiorentina (usually considered one of oldest churches in Florence) dates its origins back to 978. Around the corner from Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi, directly across via del Proconsolo from the Bargello, the abbey's unassuming entryways (one on via del Proconsolo, and one on via Dante Alighieri) "hide" the church from the street (the part of the c... read more.

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Chiesa di Santa Felicita, Florence

A Hidden Gem of History and Art Nestled in the Oltrarno district of Florence, just a stone's throw away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Church of Santa Felicita stands as one of the city's most historically and artistically significant churches. Despite its somewhat modest exterior, this church is home to remarkable artworks and has a rich history dating back to early Christianity in Florence. Even ... read more.

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Cellini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa

Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus with the Head of Medusa is one of the greatest masterpieces of Mannerist sculpture. Commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici and completed in 1554, this bronze work stands in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence's Piazza della Signoria, where it has remained for nearly 500 years! It was his last public commission and reportedly took nearly ten years to complete. The sculpture ex... read more.

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Church of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi is a remarkable yet often overlooked gem located on Borgo Pinti in central Florence, Italy. Named after Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi (born Caterina, 1566-1607), a Carmelite nun canonized for her mystical experiences (and perhaps suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and mental disorders), including receiving the stigmata, and her profound devotion to God... read more.

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Florence Iris Garden

The Iris Garden (Giardino dell'Iris) is one of Florence's best hidden secrets, most likely due to the limited time it is open each year. The garden is on a lush hillside accessible from the east side of Piazzale Michelangelo. It makes a great place to get away from crowds and the city for a quiet stroll. The garden belongs to the "Società Italiana dell'Iris" (the Italian Iris Society), an associat... read more.

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Vision of St. Bernard, Badia Fiorentina

The "Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard" or the "Vision of St. Bernard" is a wonderful Renaissance painting by Filippino Lippi (c. 1485). I keep thinking about writing a list of great paintings you can see for free in Florence, and this one would be near if not at the top (Pontormo's Deposition in Santa Felicita is another favorite). It is just inside the door, on the left, of the Badia (Abbe... read more.

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