Florence Renaissance Art
Following the museums from Giotto and Masaccio to Michelangelo, get a systematic view of Florentine Renaissance art.
Each morning, visit one major museum, and in the afternoon add one or two churches or chapels: the Uffizi, the Accademia Gallery, the Bargello sculpture collection, the Medici Chapels, the Brancacci frescoes, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo. Arranged by period and neighborhood, the route leaves time to look at the art rather than rush from site to site. Ideal for art lovers and those returning to Florence. Shopping and nearby small towns are not included.
Museums are less crowded in the off-season, making it easier to look closely. In peak season, book ahead.
Day by day
Day 1 · Santa Maria Novella and the Medici Family
Florence & Tuscany（Santa Maria Novella、Medici Chapels & Basilica of San Lorenzo、Florence Cathedral (Duomo)）
The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is right outside the station. It is a 5-minute walk to San Lorenzo and then on to the Duomo; the whole route is under 2 km.
The basilica has Masaccio's Holy Trinity, so don't miss it.
Stay: Old Town around the Duomo
Day 2 · Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio
Florence & Tuscany（Uffizi Gallery、Palazzo Vecchio、Museo Galileo）
Walk around Piazza della Signoria. The Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio are next to each other, and the Museo Galileo is about 3 minutes away in the afternoon.
The Uffizi is closed on Mondays, so it is best to enter at the first slot in the morning.
Stay: Old Town around the Duomo
Day 3 · David, Bargello and Santa Croce
Florence & Tuscany（Galleria dell'Accademia、Bargello National Museum、Basilica of Santa Croce）
From the Accademia Gallery, walk south about 10 minutes to the Bargello, then 10 minutes east to the Basilica of Santa Croce.
The Accademia Gallery is closed on Mondays. Santa Croce has Giotto's frescoes and Michelangelo's tomb.
Stay: Old Town around the Duomo
Day 4 · Brancacci Frescoes and Pitti Palace
Florence & Tuscany（Ponte Vecchio、Santa Maria del Carmine (Brancacci Chapel)、Oltrarno & Basilica of Santo Spirito、Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens）
Cross the Ponte Vecchio to Oltrarno. It is about 10 minutes from the Brancacci Chapel to the Pitti Palace, and in the afternoon, walk about 20 minutes back to the station.
The Brancacci Chapel has timed entry, and visits require booking.