It’s straightforward to fall in love with nearly each nook of Florence, however one in every of our favourite areas to remain in and discover is the Oltrarno neighborhood. The identify means “the opposite aspect of the Arno,” and refers back to the space south of the Arno throughout from the historic heart across the Duomo. Merely crossing the Ponte Vecchio takes you proper into the center of the Oltrarno, which is a classy neighborhood filled with unimaginable historic websites, expansive gardens, inventive traditions and the very best views of Florence. Get pleasure from a few of our favourite issues to see and do in Florence’s lovely Oltrarno neighborhood!
The Vasari Hall passing across the Torre dei Mannelli on the Ponte Vecchio. (credit score)
Surprising Inventive Gems in Santa Felicita
Crossing over the Ponte Vecchio you’re following the identical route the Medici household took from Palazzo Vecchio to succeed in the Palazzo Pitti, their lavish residence beginning within the Sixteenth century. In truth, alongside the best way you may lookup and see the Vasari Hall, which was their above floor personal passageway by way of town. Simply steps from Ponte Vecchio following the gorgeous Through de’ Guicciardini, you’ll spot a little bit piazza with the Fifteenth-century Column of Santa Felicita and simply past the Church of Santa Felicita.
A church has been situated on this website since concerning the 4th century, however the one there these days dates from the 18th century. If the facade of the church appears to be like a bit odd, that’s as a result of the Vasari Hall passes alongside the entrance of the church. In case you go inside and lookup above the doorway, you’ll spot a big gated window the place the Medici household may take heed to mass with out being seen by anybody contained in the church.
Pontormo’s Deposition from the Cross in Santa Felicita. (credit score)
For artwork lovers, nonetheless, there’s an actual treasure inside Santa Felicita that you just gained’t need to miss. Simply inside the doorway on the proper is a small chapel designed by Filippo Brunelleschi—the architect of the Duomo’s huge dome—that was adorned by Pontormo, a Sixteenth-century painter whose model marked a change in Renaissance portray that was later referred to as Mannerism. Right here you’ll see two of his masterpieces. The Deposition from the Cross is fantastically lit to indicate off the sensible colours of the oil portray and is ready in shimmering gilded body. On the wall to the proper are frescoes of the Virgin Mary and Angel Gabriel additionally painted by Pontormo.
You’ll discover the Ponte Vecchio and Santa Felicita simply moments from our one-bedroom Casetta Bonsi condo or one-bedroom Carina condo, each of which put you in an ideal location within the Oltrarno.
The grand Palazzo Pitti from the Boboli Gardens
Medici Marvels at Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Observe Through de’ Guicciardini to Palazzo Pitti, set atop a grand sloped sq. that attracts your eye from each spot to the spectacular entrance of the Medici household’s palace. Beginning in 1549, this huge palazzo and the fantastically landscaped gardens have been dwelling to the rulers of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and it was crammed with an unimaginable assortment of artwork and splendid decorations. As the biggest museum advanced in Florence, a go to to the museum is a should for artwork lovers or anybody fascinating in studying extra concerning the Medici household.
As you cross by way of the lavishly adorned rooms of the Palantine Gallery and the royal residences, you could have the uncommon probability to see a whole bunch and a whole bunch of nice works by Renaissance masters hung largely as they might have in a non-public assortment as initially supposed – moderately than a standard museum setting. Think about residing together with your partitions lined with works by the likes of Raphael, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, Correggio and Perugino. Simply be warned that Stendhal syndrome can set in rapidly within the Palazzo Pitti galleries, so that you’ll want a breath of contemporary air. What higher place than the Boboli Gardens simply exterior?
Splendid fountains within the Boboli Gardens.
Created within the Sixteenth century for the Medici household, this huge landscaped backyard covers about 111 acres and spreads up the hillside behind the Palazzo Pitti. Far larger than you would possibly anticipate finding proper within the coronary heart of Florence, these lovely gardens have been open to the general public since 1766. Now you may stroll alongside the stone pathways and picture the regal setting within the Sixteenth century. Though there are some finely framed views of Florence and the Duomo from proper close to the doorway to the gardens behind the Palazzo Pitti, remember to climb to the highest of the gardens to the Palazzina del Cavaliere, which homes the Porcelain Museum, for the very best views. Look throughout the hillside to identify the San Miniato al Monte Basilica and benefit from the pretty gardens earlier than exploring extra of the Boboli Gardens.
Need to keep away from the strains and get direct entry to the Boboli Gardens? This Skip the Line Boboli Gardens tour is our prime suggestion. It’s also possible to get pleasure from a glimpse of the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli gardens from our three-bedroom Felicita condo with a major Oltrarno location.
The Fontana dello Sprone on the cornder of Through dello Sprone and Borgo San Jacopo. (credit score)
Exploring the Artisan Traditions of the Oltrarno
After the expansive gardens, it’s time to meander into coronary heart of the Oltrarno district, which is stuffed with slim streets, lovely piazzas, and wonderful purchasing and eating. One of the best ways to expertise the Oltrarno is to easily meander by way of the slim streets, which even on busy summer season days are refreshingly quiet. Alongside the best way you’ll cross little boutiques, vintage outlets, and our favourite expertise, small artisan workshops that maintain the neighborhood’s inventive traditions alive. Cease to see jewellery makers, bookbinders, body makers gilding frames, and all sorts of creatives at work.
For a refreshing break, cease at Gelateria Della Passera, one in every of our favourite gelato outlets in Florence, which is ready on the charming little Piazza della Passera. You’ll additionally discover our Bardi and Gardenia residences in a great place close by.
Whereas out strolling, remember that some outlets on this neighborhood will shut throughout lunch from about 1pm to three or 4pm so that you would possibly discover it even quieter throughout these hours. Whenever you head over to go to the Brancacci Chapel, don’t miss a stroll down Borgo San Frediano, thought-about one of many coolest streets in Florence.
Chill out in a shady spot in Piazza Santo Spirito.
Cling Out in Piazza Santo Spirito
The guts of the Oltrarno neighborhood in some ways is the Piazza Spirito Santo. The leafy tree-lined sq. is surrounded by eating places and cafes the place yow will discover exercise all through the day and most definitely within the evenings when the Florentine movida begins. We love passing by way of the sq. throughout the day to cease on the open-air market to select up contemporary fruit and veggies, nevertheless it’s additionally an ideal place to eat or cease for a drink anytime of the day and night time.
In fact you’ll additionally need to go to the Basilica di Santo Spirito whereas exploring the Oltrarno. Though the facade is sort of easy, inside you’ll discover one of many most interesting Renaissance church buildings in Florence. Development started in 1444 and this church was the final challenge designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, town’s most well-known architect.
Head to the Piazza del Carmine to see the Brancacci Chapel.
Renaissance Glory on the Brancacci Chapel
Meander by way of the historic streets over to Piazza del Carmine, a big sq. with the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Development started within the thirteenth century, however the church was considerably broken by a fireplace in 1771. The hovering inside is now largely within the Rococo model, which is sort of a distinction to the stark facade, which just like the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence was by no means completed.
Mesmerizing magnificence within the Cappella Brancacci.
Nonetheless, the treasure that attracts most guests to Santa Maria del Carmine is the outstanding Brancacci Chapel, which survived the large fireplace within the 18th century. Right here you’ll discover frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino, that are a number of the most essential early masterpieces of the Renaissance. The chapel decorations have been commissioned in 1425 by a rich Florentine service provider, Felice Brancacci, and right here the grasp painter Masolino, working along with his scholar Massacio, created a collection of frescoes depicting scenes from the lifetime of St. Peter that captures a way of area and depth not like anybody had seen earlier than.
Each Masolino and Massacio have been referred to as away by different initiatives earlier than the chapel was full and a number of the frescoes and ornament have been completed by Florentine artist Filippino Lippi. Referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance” for the depth of its magnificence, it’s an absolute treasure to go to. Nonetheless, do test Brancacci Chapel web site upfront because the hours are restricted.
Panoramic view over Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo. (credit score)
Discovering the Finest Views in Florence
When you begin spending time within the Oltrarno neighborhood you’ll maintain coming again for extra. We love the ambiance and nice purchasing however the very best a part of spending time within the Oltrarno are the views and the gorgeous gardens and open areas proper within the coronary heart of town. Try our Florence Strolling Tour with Stunning Views that takes you from the Ponte Vecchio previous unimaginable museums, the Bardini Gardens, the 14th-century Porta San Niccolò watchtower, and as much as the unimaginable overlook at Piazzale Michelangelo and the fascinating San Miniato al Monte Basilica. All of that is proper at the doorstep within the Oltrarno neighborhood!
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on Thursday, August twenty fifth, 2022 at 4:19 pm in Florence.
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