Hidden 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.
La Specola Museum
Tucked away in the heart of Florence's Oltrarno district, La Specola stands as one of the city's most fascinating yet underrated museums. While crowds flock to the Uffizi and Accademia, this remarkable institution offers visitors a unique journey through centuries of scientific discovery and artistic craftsmanship that will leave you both amazed, amused, and perhaps slightly unsettled. The museum ... read more. Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
The Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) is a charming public garden in Florence, nestled in San Niccolò neighborhood, just below Piazzale Michelangelo.
Originally opened in 1895, the garden features:
Over 350 varieties of roses, blooming beautifully from May through June
Panoramic views of Florence, including the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce
A collection of bronze sculptures by Belgian a... read more. Santa Felicita
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 t... read more. 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. 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. 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. 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. About
Florence-On-Line is an evergreen yet evolving guide to Florence for art, culture, history, and food lovers. Written and curated by former and current residents of Florence, it features in depth knowledge and personal opinions on museums, art, architecture, churches, and events, as well as information and recommendations on where to eat, shop, and stay.
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