Top 10 Castles around Firenze

The small village of Malmantile has one of the best preserved examples of medieval city walls in Tuscany. Its origins are unknown, it was essentially a military center located along the ancient and very important road that connected Florence to Pisa and only later became an inhabited center. Legend has it that the episode that gave rise to its name dates back to the 4th century! St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, was traveling towards central Italy while St. Zanobi, bishop of Florence, was in the area. The two met where the commemorative tabernacle of the meeting stands and stayed for a few days to talk in a farmhouse. Upon leaving, St. Ambrose was so dissatisfied with the welcome he received from the locals that he cursed the place so much that the farmhouse sank into a crevasse. Once word of what had happened spread, the town was called 'Malmantile', which literally meant 'bad tablecloth' but in a broader sense 'bad reception'. The late Gothic walls of the town date back to 1424 and are one of the first examples of a wall equipped with a projecting device, the most used type in Tuscany for the entire following century. It seems that Brunelleschi also supervised their construction. The walls have a layout of 125x70 meters and form an almost perfect rectangle, oriented with the longer sides to the north-west and south-east and with the short ones, in the center of which are the two gates, joined by the single road axis, to the north-east and south-west. Although the entire perimeter of the loose stone wall is preserved, little remains of the projecting defensive device. This is made up of stone corbels of the type with four rounded projections to support the slightly pointed brick arches. Compared to the nearby circle of Lastra a Signa, here there are, in alternating arches, the machicolations for the plunging defense. The wall is completed by square towers placed at the four corners plus two other towers, without an internal front, placed at the center of the longer sides, the largest of which is the one on the north-west side, the one facing the external road and also the best preserved as it is completely free from overlapping of subsequent buildings. The two gates, both with round arches, are obtained by projecting a section of the walls themselves outwards and equipped with a series of slits on both sides. The one towards Florence is currently in need of restoration with the arch at risk of collapse. To the west of the gate facing Pisa (southwest) we find the only still intact section of the projecting apparatus, crowned by a parapet made of finer stone than that of the walls. Along the entire perimeter the escarpment joins the upper part plumb without a roundabout. To the south of the gate and along the walls they are in some places pierced by the windows of the houses leaning against them. The north-west side is internally free from buildings but partially covered by buildings built externally.

A Renaissance palace located in the Oltrarno district, in the center of Florence and former residence of the banker Luca Pitti, Palazzo Pitti was for decades the main residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Today it houses important museums with works by artists such as Titian and Raphael.

One of Florence's most significant landmarks, the Palazzo Vecchio is a masterpiece of 14th-century civil architecture. Originally built as the seat of the city parliament and the center of secular power in Florence, this imposing palace has served various functions over the centuries. Today it serves as the city's town hall and is a must-see for any visitor who wants to experience Florence's rich history and culture. The Palazzo Vecchio impresses not only with its robust architecture and the famous tower that dominates the city's skyline, but also with its magnificent interiors decorated with precious works of art and historic frescoes. A visit offers the opportunity to delve into the past and learn more about Florence's political and social history. Of particular note is the magnificent "Salone dei Cinquecento" (Hall of the Five Hundred), the largest room in the palace used for public gatherings. Here you can find impressive murals by Vasari depicting scenes from the city's history. The private apartments of the Medici family, who lived in the palace for a time, are also of great interest. The Palazzo Vecchio stands in Piazza della Signoria, one of the liveliest and most historically significant squares in Florence, surrounded by other masterpieces of art and architecture. The square and the palace itself are the setting for many important events in Florence's history. Visitors should take the time to climb the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, from which one can enjoy a breathtaking view of Florence and its surroundings. The climb is strenuous, but the view makes the effort worthwhile.

This central square is famous not only for its imposing buildings and elaborate statues, but also for its deep-rooted history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The square is dominated by the majestic Palazzo Vecchio, which once served as the seat of government and now houses a museum. Its battlements and sturdy tower tell stories of power, intrigue and Florence's political importance in the past. Just outside the Palazzo Vecchio stands a copy of Michelangelo's David, which seems to form a permanent sentinel, highlighting the city's artistic mastery. Another striking feature of the square is the Fountain of Neptune, a work by Bartolomeo Ammannati depicting the sea god Neptune. This impressive work of art symbolizes the Medici's power over the sea and the importance of water in Florentine culture and history. A popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, Piazza della Signoria offers a fascinating insight into the heart and soul of Florence. It is surrounded by other important landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art galleries in the world, making the square an unmissable destination for art lovers and history buffs.

A magnificent building with no less magnificent statues in front of it

Florence is one of the most famous art cities in the world. Among the most important monuments stand out the Duomo, the Baptistery, the church of Santa Maria Novella, the Uffizi museum and the Ponte Vecchio. From the Boboli Gardens it is possible to admire a splendid panoramic view of the city. Florence boasts excellent restaurants and the Florentine stands out among the traditional dishes.

Climbing the tower of the town hall is worthwhile for a beautiful view over Florence.

Florence is a city full of life. You can visit: the Uffizi, where some of the most important works of art in the world are found; the cathedral with its iconic dome rising from the city; the old bridge over the Arno river. Here, nothing is missing. It is recommended to walk the city center on foot with the bike by hand - in some parts of the city it is forbidden to pedal.