ARCHITECTURE WONDERS TO SEE FOR FREE IN FLORENCE

Overview:
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is Florence’s most iconic architectural wonder. While climbing the dome costs money, admiring the exterior—especially the intricate marble façade and Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome—is completely free.
Address:
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Visit at different times of day to see how the light changes the appearance of the white, pink, and green marble.

Overview:
The political heart of Florence for centuries, this square is an open-air museum of statues and Renaissance grandeur. Palazzo Vecchio, with its fortress-like design and soaring tower, dominates the square.
Address:
Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Walk around the Loggia dei Lanzi, where you can see masterpieces like Perseus with the Head of Medusa and The Rape of the Sabine Women without paying a cent.

Overview:
Florence’s oldest and most famous bridge is a marvel of medieval engineering and design, lined with goldsmith shops hanging precariously over the river.
Address:
Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Walk across the bridge for views of the Arno, then head a bit upstream to admire its full structure from afar—especially beautiful at golden hour.

Overview:
Designed by Brunelleschi, San Lorenzo is one of Florence’s oldest churches and a symbol of Medici patronage. The unfinished stone façade is a unique contrast to its polished surroundings.
Address:
Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Enjoy the exterior and lively piazza atmosphere where vendors sell leather goods and local crafts.

Overview:
One of the finest Romanesque churches in Italy, perched high above the city. Its green and white marble façade and geometric perfection are breathtaking.
Address:
Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze FI
How to Get There:
A 25-minute walk or bus #12 or #13 from the center.
Free Tip:
Take in the view from both the church and adjacent Piazzale Michelangelo—the best panoramic spot in Florence.

Overview:
This monumental building on the Arno River is one of the largest libraries in Italy, with an austere yet grand neoclassical design.
Address:
Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 50122 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Admire the façade and grand entrance from the outside; check their website for free public exhibitions inside.

Overview:
A landmark of early Renaissance civil architecture, this palace features rusticated stone walls, elegant proportions, and historical significance as the Medici family’s residence.
Address:
Via Camillo Cavour, 3, 50129 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Stand on the corner of Via Cavour and Via de’ Gori to admire the perfect symmetry and strength of the building’s design.

Overview:
Once a granary, now a Gothic church, Orsanmichele is famous for its statues by Donatello, Ghiberti, and others in niches around the exterior.
Address:
Via dell’Arte della Lana, 50123 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
The exterior sculptures alone are worth the visit. You can also enter the ground floor for free on certain days.

Overview:
This Renaissance loggia is known for its covered arches and the bronze Porcellino (wild boar) statue—rub its snout for good luck!
Address:
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
Look up to admire the symmetrical ceiling and decorative elements—an overlooked architectural detail.

Overview:
While entry to the basilica requires a ticket, the façade alone—designed in Gothic Revival style—is a stunning free experience, especially at sunset.
Address:
Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI
Free Tip:
The square is also a great place to watch locals play or relax—especially during public events or festivals.

Via dei Calzaiuoli – Look up to see medieval tower houses.
Piazza della Santissima Annunziata – One of Florence’s most elegant, symmetrical Renaissance squares.
Via de’ Tornabuoni – Lined with Renaissance palaces now housing high-end boutiques.