Beyond David: Guide to Exploring the Forgotten Artworks in Florence

People go to Florence to walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River. They point themselves to this central Italian city in order to gawk at Brunellescchi’s enormous dome crowned upon the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore. They march to Florence so they can stroll the cheese-and-prosciutto-flanked aisles of the Mercato Centrale. 

But most of all, they come to Florence to stand in front of some of the most iconic artworks in Florence: Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall “David” sculpture. But not just that, but several works by Donatello, the “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti, and “The Deposition” by Michelangelo.

Everywhere you look, artwork in Florence is just on another level.

Take a guided tour to uncover the hidden masterpieces

One of the best ways to elevate your Florence experience—literally and culturally—is with the Florence Duomo Tour with Climb. This guided tour not only brings you face to face with the architectural marvel that is Brunelleschi’s Dome, but also takes you inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the hidden terraces above the nave that most visitors never get to see. Along the way, expert guides unpack the stories behind the cathedral’s construction, its artistic symbolism, and the genius of Brunelleschi himself. The tour culminates with a breathtaking climb to the top of the dome, offering panoramic views over Florence’s rooftops—an unforgettable reward for art and history lovers alike.

But as a primer, here are some of the hidden gems in the Accademia and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

Walking along the exterior of the Duomo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

There are 750 pieces of art in the museum dedicated to artworks in Florence that were once in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Duomo as it’s more commonly called, located just across the street. In addition to the famed Donatello sculptures, you should seek out these outstanding, overlooked pieces.

The amount of hidden artworks in Florence is truly mind-blowing.

Room of the Silver Altar

This room’s walls are crammed with 27 relief sculptures, embroidered in gold, made by Florence’s silversmiths for the Baptistry’s treasury. The panels tell the story of the life of St. John the Baptist, who—not coincidentally—happens to be the patron saint of Florence.

Gallery of Brunelleschi’s Dome

If you’re fascinated with the genius of Filippo Brunnelschi—and if you’re not, you will be after your visit to Florence—then visiting this room is imperative. Located on the second floor, this room is dedicated to telling the story of how the artist and architect managed to do what no other human had done yet: create a stable (and beautiful dome) to fit the enormous cathedral of Florence. You’ll also see alternative domes that were options, as well as Brunelleschi’s death mask.

Just look at that detail.

Christ Enthroned with the Madonna and Saints

This large oil painting on canvas was done by Nicolò Barabino of Genoa in 1883. Barabino was an ideal neoclassical painter and in this work he perfectly harkens back to the Renaissance, placing Christ at the center of the work’s perspective. Christ is holding a blue globe in his lap, demonstrating that he is the “Salvator Mundi,” or Savior of the World.”

Traveler’s tip: Want to know more about the Duomo? Check out 7 Fascinating Facts about the Incredible Florence Duomo.

Silver Altar of the Baptistry

When it comes to relief sculpture in Florence, much attention is paid to Ghiberti’s doors of the Baptistry, the so-called “Gates of Paradise.” The Silver Altar of the Baptistry, contributed to by a handful of artists, is eclipsed by Ghiberti, but you should not ignore it. It’s a masterpiece of Tuscan goldsmithing. Made between 1367 and 1483, The altar has 12 relief panels depicting the life of St. John the Baptist. Don’t miss the central niche where there is a statue of by the great Michelozzo depicting St. John holding a cross with his left arm and his right hand pointing to Christ.

The Gates of Paradise are so beautiful, but there is so much to see.

La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze

The “Accademia,” as most people call it, is the fifth most-visited museum in Italy after the Uffizzi, the Colosseum, Pompei, and the Pantheon in Rome. And all 2.1 million people who swarmed into the Accademia in 2024 were here to see one work of art: “David” by Michelangelo. And you should too. But after taking in the nuances of the enormous sculpture, move on and see these fabulous works of art. Even better, tour the Duomo with a guide and you’ll get even more out of this experience. 

Of course, there’s nothing like seeing David up close.

Tree of Life

This enormous and stunning work by Florentine-born painter Pacino di Buonguida was created in the early 14th century, bridging an early gap between Medieval and Renaissance art styles and innovations. The subject of the painting also bridges the gap between the birth of humans (i.e. the Book of Genesis) and the birth and death of Jesus.

The ornate detail on every inch of the artwork in Florence on display is amazing.

Deposition from the Cross

Painted by Filippino Lippi in 1506, the “Deposition from the Cross” is one of the most dramatic Renaissance paintings on the planet. The motion and drama anticipates the coming of Mannerism in the High Renaissance a few decades later—a style that would push the art world toward Baroque by the end of the 16th century.

The large painting depicting the crucified Christ being taken down from the cross, would be Lippi’s final work, as he died just before finishing the painting. Renaissance painting superstar, Perugino, stood in after and painted Christ’s face and the lower figures. It’s one of the most dramatic and beautiful of all the artwork in Florence.

From oil paintings, sculptures, and frescos to everything in between, you’ll find it in Florence.

Christ in Mercy

Andrea del Sarto created this striking piece in 1525. The fresco depicts the dead Christ seated, his palms facing heavenward revealing the stigmata from his crucifixion, his forehead sprinkled with beads of blood from his crown of thorns. The painting was originally installed in a high niche in the Convent of the Santissima Annunziata in Florence and thus, was meant to be viewed from below. Keep that in mind when looking at del Sarto’s masterpiece, which remains a spiritual cornerstone among religious artworks in Florence

Hall of Musical Instruments

One of the most overlooked rooms in the Accademia, the Hall of Musical Instruments is a fascinating room. The wealthy and powerful banking family, the Medici, were famous for bankrolling some of history’s most famous artists, particularly during the Renaissance. But they’re also responsible for the evolution of music, too.

The Hall of Musical Instruments showcases this. Displaying several priceless violins by the master Antonio Stradivari, the room also exhibits some early examples of pianos—made by the inventor of the harpsichord, Cristofori, whose invention in the late 17th century led to the fortepiano in the 18th century and then the modern piano in the second half of the 19th century. And it was all due to the Medici supporting musicians and musical instrument makers.

Although we love to discover hidden artworks in Florence, you can’t just ignore the classics.

Artworks in Florence FAQs

Is the Florence Duomo Tour with Climb suitable for all fitness levels?

While the tour is designed for most travelers, please note that climbing Brunelleschi’s Dome involves over 400 steps and no elevator access. Comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.

Does the tour include skip-the-line access to the Duomo?

Yes, the Florence Duomo Tour with Climb includes priority access, allowing you to avoid long queues and make the most of your time inside the cathedral and up to the dome.

Can I bring bags or backpacks on the tour?

Small bags are permitted, but large backpacks or bulky items are not allowed inside the Duomo. For comfort during the climb and to respect local regulations, it’s recommended to pack light and wear comfortable shoes.

To see Florence’s artistic treasures from a whole new angle—literally—don’t miss the Florence Duomo Tour with Climb. From the hidden gems of the Opera del Duomo to the panoramic views from Brunelleschi’s Dome, it’s the perfect way to go beyond the ordinary and truly connect with the rich semantics of artworks in Florence and their role in shaping Western art.