Florence, Italy – cradle of the Renaissance and popular travel destination the world over. From Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, it is an easy 40 minute train ride or by car.  So many people have a special connection with one of our favorite Tuscan towns and visit multiple times in their lifetime. After seeing some of the most iconic artworks in the world, including Botticelli’s breathtaking ‘Primavera’ or Michelangelo’s David, what else is there left to see? The answer is, plenty! There is such a wealth of culture brimming in Firenze with hidden spots that most tourists fail to recognize. Here are three suggestions for lesser-known places to visit that I am absolutely certain that anyone would appreciate. Whether you go with a guide, or on your own, mark these for your calendar in 2016.

1. Museum of the Misericordia of Florence

On January 20th, the acclaimed Museum of the Misericordia of Florence is set to reopen on feast day of San Sebastian, their patron saint in Piazza del Duomo. Otherwise known as the Venerabile Arciconfraternita della Misericordia di Firenze, the oldest charitable institution in the world was established here in Florence in 1244 by the Dominican friar San Peter the Martyr as a branch of the Society of Faith. Their activities included dowries to young girls to be married, helping the poor bury their dead, management of the sick during the plague period, the spirit has lasted until today with the association offering a network of free services for people in need.

After two-year restoration the museum, located on the 4th floor of the Misericordia, covers an area of 600 sq. metres and 14 halls of artifacts, paintings, furniture, and documents noting this association’s heroic past. Notable painting include “The Madonna and Child with little St. John” by Giovanni Antonio di Francesco Sogliano and “Saints Tobia and Sebastiano” by Santi di Tito and a glazed terracotta composition by Luca Della Robbia.

Piazza del Duomo, 19/20
Phone: +39 055 239393

Website: http://www.misericordia.firenze.it

2. Stibbert Museum 

On the Northern hills of Florence exists a spectacular museum hosting containing over 36,000 artifacts, including a vast collection of armour from Eastern and Western civilizations donated by a man named Frederick Stibbert in the 19th century. He dedicated his life to collecting artifacts and valuables that were later donated to the city of Florence. The incredible armory on display is worth the visit alone, with European and Middle Eastern pieces dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Also notable are the incredible tapestries, furniture, porcelains, Tuscan crucifixes, Etruscan artifacts, and an outfit worn by Napoleon I of France. There is also a vast park next to the museum, perfect for an after-visit picnic and resting point.

Address: Via Federigo Stibbert 26, Firenze
Hours: Open · 10AM–6PM
Province: Province of Florence
Phone: 055 486049

3. Museum of Natural History – La Specola. 

Yet another museum that so many people aren’t even aware exists, the museum itself dates back to the 1700’s and showcases an array of odd species (over 5,000) and an interesting collection of wax human models. We recommend combining this with a visit to the Boboli gardens or Pitti Palace which is technically part of the same complex. There  are 34 rooms in total: 24 are dedicated to zoology and 10 to anatomic waxes. Also make sure to have a look at the Tribune of Galileo, which was designed and built in 1841 by the architect Giuseppe Martelli.

Address: Via Romana, 17, 50125 Firenze
Province: Province of Florence
Phone: 055 205 5930