Overview
There is more to Michelangelo in Florence than you think! See it now!
Born and raised in Tuscany, Michelangelo has had a long association with Florence. There remains a small be special trove of masterpieces by the artist, most of which the visitor is unaware exists. This tour will begin at the beginning, the Piazza San Marco, where Michelangelo's early training took place. From 1490 to 1492, Michelangelo attended the Humanist Academy which the Medicis had founded. This is the proper start to a tour of his works in Florence.
From this square, you will move to the home of the most famous of Michelangelo's works in the world, the Accademia Gallery, where you will view the statue of David. A few other Michelangelo works reside in the Accademia. They are "The Four Prisoners," a marble group designed for the tomb of Pope Julius II, and a statue of Saint Matthew.
A stroll through the Medici district is next, passing the imposing basilica of San Lorenzo on to the Medici chapels, where the New Sacristy is located, designed by Michelangelo. Though beautiful in itself, if the sacristy is open you will see the beautiful staircase, also designed by him. It is in the Biblioteca Laurenziana and though we cannot promise entrance, we will do our best.
You will continue on to the Piazza del Duomo, to get a first-hand look at the massive dome of the cathedral that inspired Michelangelo's design of the dome of ST. Peter's in Rome. And then on to Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to view one of the 3 Pietàs, the one which he sculpted when he was 79 years old.
Your last stop with your guide will be the Church of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo is buried. This is also the burial location for Galileo, Machiavelli, Ghiberti and Rossini and the prominent star of David that Jewish architect Niccolo Matas included in the elegant neo-Gothic façade.
Your guide will leave you at this point and if you need some directions for a local lunch place, just ask!
- Admissions are not included. The rates total approximately 59€ though special exhibits may add a few euros depending on the exhibit. They are paid at the sites. You will have pre-reserved tickets at the Accademia.
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Please note that if you are making a last-minute booking, especially during the high season, we cannot guarantee that you will have tickets reserved. Pre-reserved tickets are non-refundable.- Not offered on Mondays as the Accademia is closed.
- The Laurentian library is not always open on Sundays.
- The Medici chapels are closed on alternating Mondays.
- Dress comfortably for an easy walk.
- Group size may be up to 15 people. Please call for pricing as we add for audio aids if the group is larger than 7 people.
- Please note that on the first Sunday of each month many tourist sites in Italy have free admission. This can often result in long lines. If you are staying at a hotel, it may be beneficial to avoid booking a tour involving inside visits to major attractions on these days. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.
Days offered: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Departures:- 09:30 AM, duration: 4 hours
