A long walk from the center, to be sure, but rewarding. Occupying one of the highest points in Florence, uphill from the panoramic views on Piazzale Michelangelo, construction of this church began in 1013. The neighboring monastery, formerly a Benedictine community, was given over to the Olivetans in 1373, who still run it. The marble façade, begun around 1090, has...

The ten minute uphill walk will be rewarded with a splendid photo opp of Florence from the massive esplanade, somewhat sullied by tacky souvenir stands. On your way, depending on the time or year, you may want to stop for a visit at the Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose), at Viale Giuseppe Poggi 2. Admission is free.

Though the bridge has a series of statues by Pietro Francavilla portraying the seasons, most people head for this vantage point to train their cameras at the Ponte Vecchio. The bridge was completed in 1567, then carefully restored after Nazi bombing in 1944.

Spanning the Arno River at its narrowest point, the “old bridge” is as storied as it is picturesque (and overrun with crowds). First documented in the late 10th century, the bridge was destroyed by flooding in 1177, 1333 and narrowly avoided being swept away during the flood of 1966. The current structure dates from 1345. Ponte Vecchio was the sole...