La Specola: Florence's Window to Natural History
Explore Florence's La Specola: A historic natural history museum with vast zoological collections and anatomical wax models.
La Specola, part of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, is one of Europe's oldest science museums, opened to the public in 1775. Housed in the Palazzo Bini Torrigiani, it features vast zoological collections and the world's largest collection of anatomical waxes, offering a unique blend of science and art.
A brief summary to La Specola
- Via Romana, 17, Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, 50125, IT
- +390552756444
- Visit website
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist season.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the collections without feeling rushed.
- Be aware that the anatomical wax models are incredibly realistic and may be intense for some visitors.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Pitti Palace or Boboli Gardens.
Getting There
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Walking
La Specola is located on Via Romana, a short walk from the Pitti Palace. From the Ponte Vecchio, walk south along Via de' Guicciardini, cross Piazza Pitti, and continue onto Via Romana. The museum will be on your right. Walking time is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
From the Santa Maria Novella train station, take bus line 11 towards 'Piazza della Libertà'. Get off at the 'Piazza dei Giudici' stop and walk along Via Romana. La Specola will be located at number 17. Alternatively, take a bus that stops at Santo Spirito. From there, it is a short walk to Via Romana. Bus tickets cost around €1.50.
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Taxi
A taxi from the Florence city center to La Specola typically costs between €10 and €13 and takes approximately 7 minutes. Taxi stands are available throughout the city center. You can also call for a taxi. Keep in mind that there may be an extra charge of €2.20 for using this service.
Discover more about La Specola
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