3 Hidden Gems You Need to Check Out When Visiting Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy. Photo by Ali Nuredini on Unsplash

Visiting Florence, Italy is a truly unique experience. The city, considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, will amaze you with its art and architectural wonders on almost every step. Anywhere you look, you’ll see something that will capture your attention and make you want to learn the history of it.

With so much to see and experience in Florence, it is easy to miss the more intricate attractions that this breathtaking city has to offer. This is why we prepared a list of hidden gems that you need to check out when visiting Florence to get the best experience. Continue reading below.

San Martino del Vescovo

Blink and you’ll miss San Martino del Vescovo, also known as Oratorio dei Buonomini di San Martino. This small ancient church doesn’t stand out from the surroundings with its outside appearance, but it’s what is inside that matters. When you walk inside, you’ll be met with frescoes from Renaissance painters Domenico Ghirlandaio Lorenzo di Credi as well as pieces from Verrocchio, who is known for having Leonardo da Vinci as one of his pupils.

The history of the church is also interesting, as it serves as a home base for a Confraternity of the Buonomini di San Martin. This organization discreetly helps the poor and has performed charitable actions since the 15th century.

Location: Piazza S. Martino, 50122 Firenze

Bardini Museum

Bardini Museum is one of the lesser-known museums in Florence, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It carries the name of Stefano Bardini, connoisseur and art dealer from the 1800s, and contains numerous pieces from his impressive private collection. This includes Donatello’s paintings “Madonna dei Cordai” and “Madonna col Bambino” as well as Tino di Camaino’s sculpture “Carità.”

Location: Via dei Renai, 37, 50125 Firenze

Michelangelo’s Drawings Under Medici Chapel

Back in 1530, Michelangelo had a fallout with the Pope, and to avoid prosecution and punishment, the Renaissance artist went into hiding. He chose a small room located under Medici Chapel in Basilica di San Lorenzo.

To pass the time, Michelangelo started drawing and covered the room’s walls with all sorts of drawings. When the room was uncovered in 1976, these became known as Michelangelo’s prison graffiti.

Due to the sensitive material inside, the room isn’t always open to public and can’t receive many visitors. However, we recommend you to try your luck and witness something not a lot of people have seen.

Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo, 9, 50123 Firenza