Florence is an overwhelming collaboration of business, fashion, art, and knowledge, with anything from sidewalk vendors, the enormous duomo, and the latest fashion. Nearly hidden away from all of the noise surrounding the Firenze Termini is the Museo Zoologico la Specola, a fascinating gallery of taxidermy and wax figures located above a school.

It isn't a far walk from the train station, and it is nearly a straight shot--no back alleys or small, hard-to-find side streets. It's located Via Romana 17, a relatively quieter part of Florence.

The gallery consists of several rooms filled with collections of insects and stuffed animals--monkeys, birds, and even a rhinoceros. The last set of rooms includes wax models showing off different parts of the human anatomy. These were done between 1775 and 1814 by a man by the name of Clemente Susini for medical study. While some may find the old-fashioned rooms and the wood-framed glass cases a little creepy, others, perhaps those interested in early anatomical study or just those with a different kind of taste, will find just what they're looking for here.

Admission for adults is 4 euros, for children between 6 and 18 it's 2 euros, for children younger than 6, it is free.

The museum is closed only on Wednesdays. Although it's open from 9am to 1pm, you must get your tickets before 12pm. You do not need to book tickets in advance. If you need to contact them, they can be reached at 055-228-8251.