Art & Culture

Wander the chic thoroughfares and quiet back lanes in the center of Florence, stop for a drink in the historic squares, savor the masterpieces in the excellent museums, enjoy some of the world’s most famous architecture…do all of this just a few minutes’ walk away from the boutique B&B Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites.

Just ask us for suggestions, and we can recommend an art-focused itinerary in Florence customized to your interests and schedule.

You can begin, for example, by setting off along the stunning Lungarno river walk just meters from our elegant palazzo and enjoy the lovely views of the Arno River running through the center of historic Florence spanned by a series of beautiful bridges. This walk is particularly picturesque in the early morning or at sunset, when the rosy hues of the sky are reflected in the water below and the scene is just begging to be photographed.

Continue your walk to beautiful Piazza Ognissanti, where you can stop to explore Santa Maria Novella, with its extraordinary collection of works including Masaccio’s “Trinity” and Giotto’s “Crucifix”.

From here, take a few minutes to window shop at the designer boutiques along Via Tornabuoni until reaching the imposing Palazzo Strozzi, where some of the most important art exhibitions in Florence are held.

Just a few more steps and you’ll be in the shadow of the famous dome topping the iconic Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore, flanked by Giotto’s stunning bell tower. The new Museo dell’Opera del Duomo has recently opened, where visitors can discover all the secrets of Brunelleschi’s dome, an architectural wonder that still baffles admirers.

Your art walk through the center of Florence continues on to the Galleria dell’Accademia and admire another masterpiece: the “David” by Michelangelo, one of the most recognized works in the world.

Head back to the river along Via Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria and the Galleria degli Uffizi; we are happy to arrange advance tickets so you can avoid the line to enter.

Once your visit is through, cross the Ponte Vecchio to see Piazza Pitti and the charming Oltrarno neighborhoods of Santo Spirito and San Frediano.