U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're eager to get your steps in, climb up another 1,500 feet to the doors of the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte, one of the oldest churches in Florence. Admission is ...

The church features the "Holy Trinity," one of ... of the best views of the city and surrounding countryside. While in Florence, your greatest safety concern will be pickpockets.

Their predecessors had begun the church in 1296 to showcase the status of Florence as one of Europe’s economic and cultural capitals, grown rich on high finance and the wool and silk trades.