Explore The Hidden Side Of Beautiful Florence In Tuscany, Italy

The city of Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy and hosts many masterpieces of Renaissance Art and architecture. One of the most recognizable sights in the city is the Duomo, the city’s cathedral with its terracotta-tiled dome. Meanwhile, Michelangelo’s famous “David” sculpture is hosted by the Galleria dell’Accademia. Moreover, da Vinci’s “Annunciation” and Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” are exhibited at the Uffizi Gallery. For travelers who have seen all the major attractions in Florence, below are listed some of the unique and hidden sites in the city.

‘La Berta’ – 39 Via dei Cerretani, Florence, Italy

When visiting the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, a woman’s head can be seen sticking out from the walls. Known locally as “La Berta,” no one can say for sure how she got there. Some local residents believe the head was petrified by an astrologer in 1326 after he was said to be an alchemist who could communicate with the devil. Others say the head is a memorial to a greengrocer who donated the church’s bells. However, a more likely explanation is that it is the head of an old Roman sculpture that was placed here in the Middle Ages.

Cimitero delle Porte Sante – 34 Via delle Porte Sante, Florence, Italy

When looking for the best views of the city, travelers should head to the Cimitero delle Porte Sante (Sacred Doors Cemetery). The cemetery is located behind the 1,000-year-old church of San Miniato al Monte. Meanwhile, besides offering a panoramic view of Florence, the cemetery was founded in the 1800s for notable Florence residents. In fact, it is beautiful all of its own with iconic sculpture and architecture. The headstones and monuments range from neo-classic to Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

Bronze Replica of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ – 3571 Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy

Most visitors have seen the iconic marble statue of Michelangelo’s “David” in the Galleria dell’Accademica in Florence. However, another representation of the sculpture can be seen elsewhere in the city. A bronze replica of “David” stands in a piazza dedicated to the artist and sculptor’s work. The piazza is the work of architect Giuseppe Poggi in 1860 particularly for replicas of Michelangelo’s work. Meanwhile, besides the beautiful work on display, this is another location for a gorgeous panoramic view of the city below.

Holocaust Memorial -Platform 16, Piazza della Stazione, Florence, Italy

This next location is a moving dedication to Florence’s Jews, lost during the Holocaust. It is said that 243 Jewish residents were taken to the concentration camps of World War II, but only 13 returned home after the war. The memorial stands in the Santa Maria Novella train station and was formed as a sculpture with a train track and a steel plaque.

La Specola Anatomical Collection – Via Romana, 17, Florence, Italy

This next location is a little macabre but is also fascinating. Apparently, La Specola is the largest wax anatomical collection in the world and is hosted by the Museum of Natural History. According to history, the detailed wax models were first collected by the Medici family and the display was opened to the public in 1775. Wax models that truly stand out here are anatomical versions of Venus, posted in semi-erotic poses, which were apparently a favorite of the Marquis de Sade. Named Donatien Alphonse François, he was a French nobleman and writer famous for his literary depictions of sexuality (sadism), as well as many accusations of sex crimes.

Explore the hidden side of beautiful Florence in Tuscany, Italy this year to enjoy fabulous views, while visiting unusual sites in the city.