John Munro of Hilton Head Island is a seasoned hospitality executive who spent more than 25 years elevating guest experiences at Sea Pines Resort. As vice president of hospitality, sales, and marketing, he oversaw 10+ departments, managed a $2 million marketing budget, and maintained full occupancy across 400 vacation rentals and a 60-room inn. His award-winning stewardship earned Forbes Four-Star honors and a Top-5 national ranking from U.S. News & World Report. Drawing on this proven expertise in destination marketing and guest satisfaction, Mr. Munro offers insights into world-class travel experiences—such as the must-see attractions of Florence detailed below.
Florence is an Italian city in Tuscany that traces its roots back to the first century BCE, when it was а Roman colony. Centuries later, the city established itself as a center for trade, finance, and culture, with the Medici family and other powerful houses fueling this growth. Florence’s storied history and many attractions make it one of Italy’s most visited destinations today.
One of Florence’s recognizable landmarks, the Palazzo Vecchio, carries а touch of the city’s history. This structure dates back to the late 13th century and represents Florence’s political and artistic legacy. The building first housed the government of the Republic of Florence. Later, the Medici family made it their home before relocating to the Pitti Palace. Three features stand out at the Palazzo Vecchio. The first is its fortress-like structure, featuring а tall tower and grand halls adorned with Renaissance art. The Salone dei Cinquecento, a massive hall that once hosted the Council of Five Hundred for political meetings, is another famous structure. Perhaps the most intriguing is the palace’s hidden passages. The Medicis built these secret routes to move through the palace without being seen.
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore tells the story of Florence being the site of the beginning of the European Renaissance. It is also called the Florence Cathedral or Duomo di Firenze, and locals see it as the city’s crown Jewel. Filippo Brunelleschi, а great Italian architect, created the Cathedral’s red-tiled dome, a cupola which has no supporting structures beneath it. Walking the 463 steps to its top offers a great view of Florence and the Tuscan hills close by. Giotto’s Campanile is а separate bell tower in the cathedral complex, decorated with detailed carvings and marble inlays. Another attraction near the cathedral, the Battistero di San Giovanni, is among the oldest religious buildings in Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery is popular with travelers seeking to explore Renaissance art. The Medici family once used this building for their offices. The gallery now houses Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli. His famous piece titled Birth of Venus (depicting the goddess rising from the sea) ranks among Uffizi’s most famous masterpieces.
For those wanting to enjoy a good view of Florence, the Piazzale Michelangelo offers а great vista of the city’s skyline. Travelers can see landmarks like the Duomo from this vantage point. Giuseppe Poggi, а renowned architect and urban planner, designed the square as part of his grand vision in the 19th century to redevelop and beautify the city of Florence, which briefly served as Italy’s capital at the time. The initial idea was to make а museum of Michelangelo’s works, but this never materialized. The piazza now features bronze replicas of Michelangelo’s sculpture, including David and allegorical figures from the Medici Chapel. But the main draw remains the amazing views of the city, especially at sunset.
Also in Florence is the Palazzo Pitti. Luca Pitti, a wealthy Florentine merchant, built the palace in the 15th century. He wanted a grand residence, so he commissioned Luca Fancelli, an apprentice of Brunelleschi, to design it. Later, the Medici family acquired and expanded the palace over a period of two centuries. Napoleon also used the palace as his residence after the Medici family’s rule ended. The Palazzo Pitti now showcases culture and art through its many museums. A custom gallery displays historic clothing and accessories, and the Silver Museum holds treasures from the Medici era.
The Boboli Gardens stretch behind the Palazzo Pitti palace. The Medicis created these gardens in the mid-16th century, and European courts later copied their design. The gardens contain Renaissance statues, geometric patterns, and large grottos. They function as an outdoor museum where visitors can see the Medici family’s artistic influence throughout the space.