Discover Florence's Heart!

What to Expect

Iconic Florentine Squares
In the first part of the tour, you will explore three central city squares:

• Piazza del Duomo - you will see the main cathedral with a unique long history of construction. I'll tell you about the Demidov dynasty and show its coat of arms on the facade of Santa Maria del Fiore. You will learn why the main doors of the baptistery are called the 'Gates of Paradise' and in which Russian city a copy of them is kept.

• Piazza della Repubblica, which appeared during the period when Florence was the capital of Italy. I'll tell you the history of the construction of the central arch and reveal the secret of what was in place of the famous square in the Renaissance era.

• Piazza della Signoria - you will understand why it is called an open-air museum and learn myths and secrets associated with this place.

Medici Dynasty Palaces
I will gladly tell you about the legendary Medici family, who devoted their love and talents to Florence. Thanks to them, the Renaissance era began in the city and the world saw Michelangelo, da Vinci, and other great names. You will see three palaces where representatives of the Italian dynasty lived:

• Palazzo Medici-Riccardi - you will learn why it is named like this and visit the inner courtyard, where the fashion for a new architectural design of palaces began.

• Palazzo Vecchio - I will tell you who Luca Pitti was and what the Nero's grottoes are. I will also take you to the palace's courtyard and a small museum with a historical map of the city, where you will understand why Florence in the 13th century was one of the largest cities in Europe.

• Pitti Palace - you will admire the amazing facade and try to determine what the original project was like. On the way to the palace, you will pass along Vasari's corridor and marvel at the talent and skill of 16th-century architects. You will cross the Golden or Old Bridge and verify the authenticity of their materials.