Florence: Interesting places I'd like to swap into the itinerary!

 

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

Founded by Dominican friars in 1221, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica is a true hidden Florentine gem, close to Santa Maria Novella train station. Here, you’ll not only find medicines but also delicious scents and perfumes. Did you know that the first perfume (considered in the modern way) was made in Florence, when Catherine de Medici asked for a scent for her wedding?

Michelangelo’s Secret Carving

On the façade of Palazzo Vecchio, the administrative city centre of Florence, you can spot a hidden face carved by Michelangelo. The artist used to spend most of his time in the square, and, by legend, he carved the face of a man who used to bore him with stories behind the man’s back while Michelangelo was pretending to listen.

Traffic signs by Clet

When in Florence, pay attention to the traffic signs! Why? A local artist called Clet has been adding stickers to them since the summer of 2010. Now, they are part of the art scene of Florence, even if many people, including the administrators of the town, don’t really appreciate them.

Perseus with the Head of Medusa

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Florence is Loggia dei Lanzi, a coveted pavilion near Palazzo Vecchio with several statues made by Italian artists. One of the most famous is the Perseus with the Head of Medusa, sculpted by the great Benvenuto Cellini. The cool thing here is not only the spectacular front of the statue but also the back, where there is a face carved into the back of Perseus’s head. This is the self-portrait of Cellini himself.

Bardini Gardens

The Bardini Gardens are situated between Costa San Giorgio and Borgo San Niccolo. They’re close to the more famous Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace, but much less crowded.

Beginning in the 13the century, the gardens belonged to the Mozzi family.

In the 20th century, famous art dealer Stefano Bardini purchased the villa, gardens, and the surrounding properties. The gardens officially opened to the public in 2005, after a massive restoration.

The Bardini Gardens contains four hectares of woods, cypress trees, gardens and fruit orchards.  The most famous spot is the whimsical Wisteria Tunnel of purple flowers (show at the top). If you go to the gardens in mid-April/May, the wisteria will be in peak bloom.

The best spot for views is from the Belvedere terrace, where you get a panoramic view of the Florentine cityscape.