Michaelangelo's famous David (© Kenn Hwang) and evening view of the monumental Duomo (© Paradoxplace), Florence.

Located on the Arno River in Tuscany, Florence (Firenze in Italian) is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that spread throughout the western world.

Today, millions of visitors flock to Florence to enjoy its fine art and architecture, while about 400,000 people make it their home. Florence abounds in beautiful sacred art and religious buildings. Among the most famous are the Duomo, with its distinctive dome designed by Brunelleschi, Michaelangelo's sculpture of David in the Galleria d'Accademia, and the Baptistery with its elaborate bronze doors by Ghiberti.

Florence Satellite Map Explore Florence from above with high-resolution satellite imagery on which we've pointed out all the main sights. Florence Car Rentals Explore Tuscany with the freedom of your own car! You can drop it off in Florence or in another city if you wish. Florence Guided Day Tours Discover Florence's hidden treasures with a guided tour or two. Florence Hotel Reviews Candid traveler reviews, ratings, and price comparisons on a variety of lodging in Florence. Florence Travel Forum Ask experienced travelers for advice on Florence travel or browse previous discussions.

Duomo (Santa Maria della Fiore) This magnificent cathedral is notable for its giant dome, designed by Brunelleschi in 1436, its stripy exterior and its splended baptistery. Inside, the Duomo is a veritable museum of Renaissance art. Santa Croce This is the principal Franciscan church of Florence, best known for its Florentine artwork and the tombs of illustrious dead such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. San Lorenzo This basilica was founded in the 4th century but the current building dates from the 1420s. Its stark brick exterior hides a magnificent interior by Brunelleschi and two bronze pulpits by Donatello. Santa Maria Novella This splendid Dominican church has a facade of green, white and pink patterns and a nave that appears longer than it really is. Art highlights include Lippi's frescoes of classical ruins and Ghirlandaio's frescoes of 15th-century life in Florence. San Miniato al Monte This hilltop church south of the Arno is the finest Romanesque church in Tuscany and features a beautiful marble facade. Santo Spirito South of the Arno, this Brunelleschi creation was described by Bernini as "the most beautiful church in the world." Inside are 38 chapels and 35 columns, all perfectly placed. Locate all these sites (and more) on our Florence Satellite Map.

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