Florence is often hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and you might find yourself thinking that this style dominates the city’s buildings. However, if you take a moment to observe the structural and design elements, you’ll quickly notice a rich variety of architectural styles scattered throughout the city.

In Florence, medieval architecture encompasses two primary styles: Romanesque and Gothic. There’s a great deal of debate about when the Medieval period began (you may see anywhere from the 6th through the 11th centuries), but regardless it’s a long stylistic era—at least four centuries and possibly as much as ten.