Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
CHURCH
Dedicated to St Minius, an early- Christian martyr from Florence, this Romanesque church
in a spectacular location overlooking the city dates to the early 11th century, although its
typically Tuscan multicoloured marble facade was tacked on a couple of centuries later.
Inside, don't miss the bijou
Capella del Crocefisso
, to which Michelozzo, Agnolo Gaddi
and Luca della Robbia all contributed.
(
www.sanminiatoalmonte.it
;
Via Monte alle Croce;
8am-7pm
May-Oct, 8am-noon & 3-6pm Nov-Apr)
2
Museo di Storia Naturale - Zoologia La Specola
One of several sections of Florence's natural history museum (established way back in
1775), La Specola showcases 5000-odd animals from its extraordinary depository of 3.5
million. The gruesome highlight - not recommended for the squeamish or young children
- is the collection of wax models of bits of human anatomy in varying states of bad health.
(
www.msn.unifi.it
;
Via Romana 17; adult/reduced €6/3;
HISTORY MUSEUM
9.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun Oct-May, to 5.30pm Jun-Sep)
3
Chiesa di Santa Felicità
CHURCH
Largely a Renaissance construction, the most extraordinary feature of this church is
Brunelleschi's small
Cappella Barbadori
, which is adorned by frescoes of the Annunci-
ation by Jacopo Pontormo (1494-1557). The Corridoio Vasariano (walkway linking the
Palazzo Pitti with the Uffizi) was built right across the facade so the Medicis could hear
Mass like any good Christians, but without having to mix with the common folk.
(
www.santafelicita.it
;
Piazza di Santa Felicità;
9.30am-noon & 3.30-5.30pm Mon-Sat)
4
Forte di Belvedere
FORTRESS, GALLERY
