Planning a holiday in Tuscany and want to visit Florence off the beaten tracks? Here is a selection of 5 wonderful sights away from the tourist areas.
1. Bobolino Garden
Bobolino is located just past Porta Romana, way up the wide avenue Viale Niccolo’ Machiavelli. As historical as his stories were, so is this fantastic road leading you to a setting where it is serene. There are little parks with peaceful benches and fountains along the way to the top of the hill.
From Bobolino there is curvy path that takes you through Piazzale Galileo and onwards toward the famous Basilica San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo, which besides having gorgeous views, many buses congregate at this point.
Nearest accommodation to Boboli Garden, Florence : Hotel Villa Carlotta
2. Porta Romana
This is an area that encompasses the traditional Tuscan lifestyle. In this square there is a pharmacy, ice cream shops, Il forno (bakery), and a man who sells flowers right out of his truck. It is a grand place to see one of the entrances of Florence. This gate to the town is part of the original walled in city, dating back to the 14th Century. Porta Romana is the largest and best-kept gate of the city. It has maintained the original iron doors and the Medici Family coat of arms on a marble plaque. It is located at the end of Viale del Poggio Imperiale and Viale Galilei and introduces you to Via Romana that takes you towards the historical center.
In the center of the roundabout, stands a statue created by an contemporary artist, Michelangelo Pistoletto. It is cast in marble and entitled “Dietrofronte” which literally means, Back Front. The statue represents a woman whose imaginary movement southwards to leave the city is hindered by a heavy bundle on her head which points in the opposite direction towards Florence’s city center. So I guess it means that even if you try to escape you can’t possibly leave this city full of wonderment and renaissance beauty.
Nearest accommodation to Porta Romana, Florence : Bed & Breakfast Residenza Cantagalli
3. Borgo San Frediano
San Frediano is known as the most popular part of ‘Old Florence’. There are many old style shops such as woodworking, artisans, which are still in their original structure and character. For example, the butcher shops have marble covered walls and brass accessories that were typical Florentine decoration in the Middle Ages.
If you pass the famous Piazza del Carmine, which contains Florentine jewels such as the Brancacci Chapel, you will end up in a piazza where calcio (soccer) is regularly played. Piazza Tasso, in the past five years, has turned its concrete soccer field into a turf field but a bit harder. The piazza is very quiet and quaint.
If you follow the ancient walls all the way around you can end up at another gate of the city, Porta San Frediano. It is another historical part of Florence that most people don’t see. This area is so peaceful and true Florentine. There are many fabulous restaurants in this area that are still untapped. Venture to this area when you want to experience authentic Italian cuisine.
Accommodation in Borgo San Frediano, Florence: Bead & Breakfast San Frediano Mansion
4. San Niccolo’
San Niccolo’ has many facets that not many people know about. There are unknown restaurants that are very rarely mentioned in such guidebooks, such as Osteria San Niccolo’. It is a small locale, and worth a stop for a lunch or dinner. I really like this restaurant because it has a small menu with selections of the season. This is another jewel of the Oltrarno that is hidden amongst the Florentines.
There is also the Church of San Niccolo’, one of oldest churches in Florence. Being close to the Arno, it has gone through two devastating floods, one in 1557, and the infamous 1966 flood. It was severely damaged in both but is still standing.
A nice walk that I once traveled, one lazy early evening as the sun started to set, began in Piazza de’ Mozzi and I took a right onto Via de’ Bardi. You will then meet a fork in the road heading up two different hills. Take the immediate left on Costa Scarpuccia, follow this around and you will run into a Church, with a simple looking facade. Then take a left past the church and head up on Costa di San Giorgio. To your right as you reach Porta San Giorgio, will be the entrance to Forte Belvedere. If you walk through Porta San Giorgio, take the long road called Via di Belvedere you will capture gorgeous views of the other side of Florence. I suggest going at sunset. The reflections of light on the buildings are spectacular.
Accommodation in San Niccolo’, Florence : Hotel Silla
5. Le Cascine Park
Le Cascine Park became part of the Medici family in the 16th century. It was purchased by Alessandro de’ Medici, first Duke of Florence. After Alessandro died in 1537, Cosimo I de’ Medici, expanded the area. He changed the estates into a beautiful park. There were other boulevards constructed with flowing flowerbeds as well as a forest of different types of trees. When the last descendant of the Medici line passed away, the park was passed to the new Grand Dukes of Tuscany who granted it to the city for the enjoyment of it’s citizens.
Today, there is a great Market every Tuesday from 8 am to 2 pm. It is the largest open market in Florence. The market provides everything imaginable from flowers, fruits, and vegetables to general groceries like housewares, clothing, accessories, shoes, and antiquities. There are also discos/clubs that are based in and around this park. Stay away from this park at night; it is known for illegal prostitution.
From the center you can take the #17C bus to the end of the line. The main entrance of the park begins in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. This is the biggest park in Florence along the Arno River.
Nearest hotel to Le Cascine Park, Florence : Starhotels Michelangelo
Topic: Top five Monday |
8 Comments
Tags: Florence, Tuscany
About the author
Katie has a true obsession with Italy and she has lived in Florence on and off for the past 5 years. She has been a tourist, vacationer, student, and an au pair. All of these experiences have made her into the person she is today. This is a place she documents her life with her own thoughts and audacious lifestyle: http://www.katerinafiore.com
8 responses to “Top 5 Florence spots away from tourist areas”
Report an inappropriate commentMay 31st, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Hi Katie
You mention quite a few places in the Oltrarno area here. I am going to Florence next week and am staying up from San Miniato al Monte. I will not be arriving until the evening so probably won’t have time to wander round the main part of the city to find somewhere good to eat that first night. Do you know of anywhere nearby or I am better just grabbing some foccacia, salami and formaggi on the way? (Good advice about using the buses too by the way!)
Cheers, Andy
May 31st, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Andy,
Well there is a great little place to eat dinner near San Minato. It is called Bevovino. It is located in the San Niccolo zona. My friend Pascuale works there as a waiter. It is FABULOUS food and great, friendly staff. How long will you be in Florence? Because I arrive on the 5th of June and will be around, if you needed more assistance.
Any more questions, please ask!
Buon Viaggio,
Katie
June 1st, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Thanks for the tip, Katie. Bevovino sounds great and seems perfect for that first evening!
I’m arriving on the 5th too and will be in Florence for five days before heading on to Lucca for two.
I’ll be sure to let you know if I have any other questions!
Thanks again and buon viaggio to you too, Andy
June 1st, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Andy,
I am glad to help! Please ask for Pascuale and tell him Kate from Chicago sent you.
Lucca is fabulous too. Have a great trip!
I’m hear if you need some assistance!
a presto,
Katie:)
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 am
Thanks for the tips! My husband and I will be flying in and arriving Wednesday morning. We are definately looking for towns and areas where there are few/no tourists and unique experiences. Can’t wait!
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Angela,
I am so glad!! It is the way to travel in Italy, to all the small towns without BIG crowds of tourists. Anything else you want to know about Italy or traveling around Florence, please feel free to contact me!
I am arriving soon, I can’t wait to get back to my second home!!
Buon Viaggio!!
Cheers,
Katie
July 25th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Dear Katie, My husband and I are going to Florence in 10 days, for a week. I was looking for a swimming pool that is public. I heard there is one in Cascine park. Do you know if that is open in August? Also, I am playing violin at the Golden View restaurant, with their jazz trio, just sitting in. Do you know the Golden View? they seem very nice. Is everything closed in August?what do you do for exercise? are there any gyms?Thanks so much! Patti
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
Craftmen of the Oltrarno - Fascinating old workshops and attractive arts and craftsThere are a thousand ways of exploring the “other Florence” of the city centre, the working class neighbourhood of Oltrarno and its craft workshops. Without a doubt the best way is to move around on foot, wandering through the maze of narrow streets and alleys in search of the expert craftspeople who are keeping alive traditional working methods and handing them down to future generations. With its historic workshops, its pool of manual skills and the original artistic craft items that are made there, the Oltrarno is the essence of artisan Florence. Everything is still patiently and meticulously carried out by hand. In the maze of workshops occupied by craftspeople and small businesses, imagination and creativity reign supreme, and a mix of manual ability, intuitive flair and good taste yield some truly unique results. The Oltrarno is an open-air museum and an extraordinary legacy of traditions. The Chamber of Commerce and the Florence Tourist Office, in conjunction with the Province of Florence and Florence City Council, organize tourist itineraries led by professional tourist guides. These offer a close-up view of studios and workshops in one of Florence’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Accompanied by a professional guide, tourists visit three of the workshops in any given itinerary, or alternatively strike out on their own, choosing from an extensive list of possibilities. The tours last about three hours and take place on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The cost is € 10,00 per person. The assembly point is in Piazza Pitti at 3pm (or elsewhere, as established by the booking office).The itineraries run throughout the year, with a break in the summer (from the last week in July through to the second week of September, inclusive) and during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The programme comprises just three studios per itinerary, chosen according to the availability of the craftspeople. This is so visitors can fully appreciate the skills and workmanship involved.Information and bookings: Q.N. Holidaysvia del Moro 95R - 50123 FirenzePh. 055 2654587info@qnholidays.it
The delights of Chianti – crafts, beautiful countryside, typical Tuscan fare and some of Italy’s finest vines
In the public imagination the word ‘Chianti’ conjures up images of gentle hills clad with vineyards and glasses brimming with good wine. In the Chianti area, which in the Province of Florence comprises the four municipalities of Barberino Val d’Elsa, Greve in Chianti, San Casciano in Val di Pesa and Tavarnelle in Val di Pesa, valleys alternate with hills but also with bleak, solitary, thickly wooded hillocks.
The Chianti area is rich in history and tradition, and in centuries gone by was the scene of violent conflict between the powers of Florence and Siena. Its appearance has been strongly marked by human intervention, in terms both of the shape of the land and of its rural and village architecture. As you drive, cycle or walk through the area you come across castles, tiny villages, solitary abbeys, farmhouses and villa estates, all of which are steeped in history. Many are also little treasure troves of art works. But Chianti is worth exploring not only for its natural and artistic beauties but also in order to learn about its fine arts and crafts traditions and the food and wine products that have made it so famous.
The APT of Florence, the Chamber of Commerce and the Province of Florence have organized, with the invaluable assistance of the four municipalities in the Florentine area of Chianti, two theme-based itineraries.
The organizing bodies provide the bus and a tourist assistant. Participants are asked to make a contribution of € 15.00 per head for each itinerary.
The itineraries will take place every Thursday and include visits to parish churches, castles, museums of sacred art, craft workshops and oil- and wine-producing estates, offering an all-round view of what the Chianti area has to offer.
For information and bookings:
Agenzia Machiavelli Viaggi
via Machiavelli, 49
San Casciano Val di Pesa
tel. 055 8228073
e-mail: chianti@machiavelliviaggi.it
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