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Florence Renaissance Art Tour: Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walk - Florence

Florence Renaissance Art Tour: Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walk

Florenceeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for anyone comfortable with moderate city walking.

Overview

Step into Florence’s Renaissance world with a 3-hour guided walk featuring Michelangelo’s legendary sculptures and medieval landmarks. Discover the stories behind Florence’s artistic heart.

City Tour
Events
History Tour
Museum
Florence, Tuscany

THE MICHELANGELO TOUR

Starting at €200 | 3 Hours | Unveil the genius of Michelangelo in Florence!

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Adventure Photos

THE MICHELANGELO TOUR photo 1

About This Adventure

Discover the brilliance of Michelangelo in Florence on a captivating 3-hour tour. Explore the Bargello Museum's Renaissance masterpieces, including Donatello's Bronze David and Michelangelo's iconic works. Stroll through medieval streets to Santa Croce, then marvel at the grandeur of the David and other masterpieces at the Galleria dell'Accademia.

Unveil the genius of Michelangelo in Florence!


Rates

Tour € 200–€ 540


Duration

3 hours


About

We start our experience about Michelangelo by visiting the Bargello, used from the 15th century as a prison and today the National Museum of Sculpture.

The museum houses the most significant collection of Renaissance and Mannerist sculptures: we look at masterpieces like the Bronze David by Donatello, commissioned by the Medici and recently restored. We also see other works of art by the same artist and you will fully enjoy the brightly coloured works of glazed terracotta by Luca and Andrea della Robbia.

Our visit will focus on important sculptures by Michelangelo such as Bacchus, David-Apollon and the very famous Tondo Pitti, a fine example of “non-finito”.

Our guided tour will take you through medieval streets, to the nearby church of Santa Croce, Franciscan church, burial place of Michelangelo and many other distinguished Italians of the past.

The tomb of the artist, planned by the Medici family’s architect, Giorgio Vasari, reminds us of how in his life, the three major arts, sculpture, architecture and painting, always intertwined.

The Michelangelo tour culminates at the Gallery of the Academy, the richest museum concerning our artist: we will see his “unfinished” works, the Prisoners, made for the tomb of Pope Julius II and your guide will discuss with you Michelangelo’s later career in Rome. You will be moved by the feeling that the Palestrina Piet arouses on you.

Finally, the worldly known David, an icon of the Florentine Renaissance. You will be able to explore the statue in its full beauty as your guide will narrate the history, the events that brought to the birth of this absolute artwork.

In the atmospheric setting of the Bargello museum, a medieval palace used as a prison during the 16th century, we will visit the city’s most significant collection of Renaissance and ‘mannerist art’. One of the earliest works by Michelangelo on display here is the intriguing Bacchus, the clearest expression of the artist’s youthful sensuality.

We look at other significant works by Michelangelo too, including his Brutus, David-Apollo and the Tondo Pitti. The museum also hosts Donatello’s masterpiece, the bronze David, as well as the David by Verrocchio, another outstanding Renaissance work commissioned by the Medici and recently restored. Another highlight of the Bargello is the glazed terracotta work by Andrea and Luca Della Robbia.

On leaving the Bargello we stroll down the road to look round the imposing church of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo and other distinguished Italians are buried. The tour culminates with a trip to the Galleria dell’Accademia where we marvel at the mastery of Michelangelo’s David, his unfinished Prisoners and the Palestrina Pietà.

This above is a suggested itinerary only, if you wish to exclude some site or include others, please feel free to tell us.

Adventure Tips

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Secure your entrance to popular museums ahead of time to avoid long lines.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

The tour involves cobblestone streets and stairs, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Bring a Refillable Water Bottle

Walking through Florence can be warm; stay hydrated during the tour.

Arrive Early for Best Light in Museums

Morning visits provide softer lighting, enhancing artwork visibility and photography.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons commonly seen in the piazzas.
  • Sparrows flitting around historic building ledges.

History

Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, with the Accademia opening in 1784 to preserve its artistic heritage.

Conservation

Museums follow strict preservation protocols to protect fragile sculptures and paintings while promoting sustainable visitor access.

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Adventure Hotspots in Florence

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating cobblestone streets and stairs comfortably.

Light Backpack

Essential

Useful for carrying water, guidebooks, and personal items during the tour.

Refillable Water Bottle

Essential

Helps maintain hydration, especially in warmer months.

summer specific

Sunscreen and Hat

Protects from sun exposure while walking outdoors between stops.

summer specific