Florence Via Cavour (Via Camillo Cavour)

The basics

As one of the main historic streets in central Florence, Via Cavour is a must for fans of Renaissance history and architecture. Join a walking tour of Renaissance Florence to explore the highlights of this straightway, formed in 1861 when the historic Via Larga and Via San Leopoldo were joined. The southern end of the street is marked by Palazzo Medici Riccardi, once the Medici family residence and today a museum of art and architecture covering more than 400 years of Florence's history. Via Cavour passes through Piazza San Marco as it heads north, eventually meeting up with Piazza della Libertà; many palaces along the route display plaques commemorating illustrious former residents.

As it is located just steps from Florence’s iconic Duomo and Accademia Gallery, Via Cavour can easily be paired with a skip-the-line ticket to the city’s cathedral complex—including the church, dome, and belltower—and a visit to Michelangelo’s David statue in the Accademia.

Things to know before you go

• With its artisan shops and clothing boutiques, Via Cavour offers excellent shopping.
• There are a number of restaurants and cafés along the street, so you can stop here for a snack or meal.
• Most Renaissance-themed tours of the historic center of Florence are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
• The street is lined with sidewalks on both sides, narrow but easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to get there

Via Cavour runs through the center of Florence from Piazza della Liberta in the north to Via Gori on the south. The southern end of the road changes to Via dei Martelli shortly before reaching the Duomo, and is a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station.

When to get there

Many of the shops and landmarks on Via Cavour close briefly at midday, so the street is best explored in the morning or afternoon. Because of its popularity as a shopping destination, the street can be crowded during the weekends and holidays.

Other Famous Thoroughfares in Florence

The center of Florence is crisscrossed with a number of famous historic streets, most lined with a mix of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The most famous is Via de’ Tornabuoni, home to some of the toniest designer boutiques and the Ferragamo Museum. Nearby, Via dei Calzaiuoli offers a mix of haute couture labels and mid-level brands, and is bookended by Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria. Across the Arno River in the trendy Oltrarno neighborhood, Via Santo Spirito between Borgo San Jacopo and Borgo San Frediano is famous for the artisan workshops that line its length.