The Easter period has always been one of the most beautiful of the year because it also allows to move around and plan holidays by taking advantage of the mild climate and frequently sunny days.
Easter does not always fall on the same day, between the end of March and April 25, at a time when nature awakens and the days are longer and warmer.
Therefore, it is a perfect moment to visit the cities of art, discover their hidden corners, artistic and scenic beauties.
One of these is certainly Florence, one of the most elegant locations, rich in sites of historical, artistic and cultural interest in Italy.
Easter in Florence: Events and Places to Visit
Places to discover, works to admire, gardens to relax in, traditions to observe. Florence is full of points of interest for every kind of traveller.
Let’s find out together the things to do and those to see at Easter in Florence:
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The explosion of the cart:
“Lo Scoppio del Carro” in Italian is the most awaited event of the Florentine Easter. An event that takes place on Easter Sunday starting at about 10.00. It is a tradition born about 300 years ago and still kept alive today. The protagonist is the “Brindellone”, a large 9-metre-high cart that is pulled by oxen from Via II Prato to Piazza Duomo. During the mass, at about 11.00, the Archbishop of Florence lights up and sets off from the altar the “Colombina”, a rocket in the shape of a dove. This runs along a wire and reaches the Brindellone, setting it on fire and thus lighting the fireworks mounted on it. A great show for everyone, locals and tourists. Of particular interest, especially for the Florentines, is what happens afterwards: according to tradition, if the Colombina returns to the altar, the year will be positive. A peculiarity that referred especially to past times and the harvest in the fields.
If you are interested in religious services, there are three churches in Florence where you can participate in Easter celebrations in English during Holy Week: St. James Church (Episcopalian – Via B. Rucellai 9), St. Mark’s English Church (Anglican – Via Maggio 16) and Santi Apostoli (Chatolic – Piazza del Limbo 1).
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Walk to Villa Bardini:
Spring is the perfect time to visit this wonderful corner of the city. Here we can admire the beautiful garden which, in this period, offers a unique spectacle: the flowering of the wisteria, with its purple colour and enveloping scent, making an already very charming location even more unique. The walk can be completed by participation in the events and temporary exhibitions held at Villa Bardini;
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The Pitti Palace exhibitions:
art and culture lovers can make special visits or let themselves be conquered by the special exhibitions organized at the Palazzo and its museums: Museum of Fashion and Costume, Palatine Gallery, Modern Art Gallery, Royal Apartments. Also not to be missed is the Boboli Gardens located behind the Pitti Palace with large green spaces, statues, grottoes and fountains;
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Giardino delle Rose:
located in the Oltrarno area, it is a place to visit especially at this time of year because it allows you to stroll while observing over 350 varieties of roses. There are breathtaking views of Florence from the Rose Garden as well as from the overlooking Piazzale Michelangelo.
Museums open in Florence for Easter
On Easter and Easter Monday in Florence there is the extraordinary opening of the museums.
A unique opportunity to admire some of the greatest art masterpieces of all time.
Among the open museums we mention:
- Uffizi Gallery;
- Pitti Palace;
- Boboli Gardens;
- Palazzo Strozzi;
- Academy Gallery;
- Palazzo Vecchio and Arnolfo Tower;
- Museo Novecento;
- Complex of Santa Maria Novella.
All museums listed are located in the historic center of Florence and are within easy walking distance. Where possible, advance purchase of tickets is recommended to avoid possible queues. We recommend purchasing tickets online from the official websites of the museums or contacting the concierge of the hotel where you are staying.
In addition to the permanent collections, it is often possible to enjoy enchanting temporary exhibitions within the aforementioned palaces and museums. These range from classical to contemporary art. There is something for everyone and no one will be disappointed.
Florence is the quintessential Italian art city that saw its heyday during the Renaissance period.
If you don’t like queuing or are short on time, also discover the monuments you can visit for free in Florence.
Easter in Florence with children
Those travelling with the family can choose from special events, exhibitions and activities to do with their children and teenagers. Or visit historical places and sites that are perfect for both adults and children.
Several museums have educational materials, museum tours and audio guides dedicated to children and young people that will make the visit more enjoyable and interesting.
Here, you can find our guide on tips for visiting Florence with children >
What to do in Florence at Easter with the family:
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Picnic at the Pazzagli Art Park:
it is one of the most beautiful green areas in the city. The park is perfect for organizing a picnic and eating outdoors. In addition, you will be surrounded by works of art: in the park there are 250 works of contemporary art by Enzo Pazzagli. There are also events and activities, such as treasure hunts and magic shows;
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Gardening at the Orti Dipinti:
in Borgo Pinti we find a particular location, unique and very special. It is a shared garden where anyone can help work the land. Ideal for experiencing special moments with friends and relatives. Special for children because numerous educational activities are organized here designed specifically for the little ones;
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A trip out of town:
Easter Monday has always been synonymous with escape, trips and discovering new places. The surroundings of Florence offer many opportunities for recreation for the whole family. Among the unmissable locations we find Chianti with its countryside, Versilia and the Etruscan Coast with the sea, small villages full of charm such as Fiesole, Certaldo, Montefioralle, Panzano in Chianti, Scarperia, Vinci, Montaione;
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Parco delle Cascine:
it is the largest public park in Florence. It is 130 hectares large and it extends parallel to the Arno. It is a perfect place to play, do sports or have a picnic, have fun, ride a bike and spend time together. It is characterized by immense meadows, majestic trees and it is populated by many species of birds. There is no shortage of shopping opportunities thanks to the market held every Tuesday morning: one kilometre of stalls with products of all kinds, typical products and local handicrafts;
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Galileo Museum:
the museum is the most popular among children and teenagers. It preserves all kinds of scientific instruments produced until the 20th It is among the most famous science museums in the world, an essential stop when in the city because it allows the little ones to closely observe many things learned in school. Inside it, we find the first barometer, mathematical, optical, astronomical, surgical and navigation instruments, a collection of pocket watches and Galileo’s telescope, with which the scholar discovered the lunar mountains and the satellites of Jupiter.
Easter in Florence with your loved ones
Finally, here is a series of indications on which experiences to share at Easter in Florence with your loved ones:
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Admire the panorama from the Terrace of Fiesole:
near the convent of San Francesco in Fiesole we find one of the most beautiful terraces in the city from which you can admire the entire city of Florence. A romantic place, even more unmissable if visited at sunset, with the colours of day and night that blend and caress Brunelleschi’s Dome, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Arno River. It is the perfect place for amazing selfies;
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Tasting of Tuscan wines:
Florence is the ideal place to discover the richness and goodness of Tuscan wines. A tasting of the best labels, accompanied by the tasting of typical local products, is an experience to be enjoyed as a couple at aperitif time and beyond. There are wineries and restaurants that offer wine and local product tastings in towns of varying durations. Alternatively, it is possible to travel to the most beautiful towns around Florence and enjoy special experiences such as truffle hunting, visiting wineries in Chianti, a bike ride through the vineyards, or a typical Tuscan cooking class followed by a tasting of what has been prepared;
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Sailing along the Arno:
the mild climate makes this experience even more pleasant as it allows us to observe Florence from a completely unique angle. Let’s board the barchetto, the traditional flat-bottomed boat once used by sand-makers, and discover the city’s monuments, passing under Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trìnita;
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Enjoy traditional Easter dishes:
Classic traditional Italian and Tuscan desserts and cakes are available in all bars and pastry shops in the city. In particular, the typical Easter “Colomba” which is a leavened dove-shaped cake made with flour and eggs, filled with candied fruit and covered with almonds and icing. And then again the traditional chocolate eggs so beloved by children and savory meat dishes, especially lamb. Many people like to spend Easter Day outdoors or have lunch in a good restaurant. It is advisable to make reservations in advance for Easter lunch at restaurants in Florence. Many restaurants offer set menus for the occasion.
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Enjoy nightlife in Florence:
if you love nightlife spend a pleasant evening in one of the city’s trendy clubs for a drink with friends, dine in a glamorous restaurant or enjoy a night out at the disco. Find all the information about the best nightclubs in Florence here.
