Florence Vacation

Historical Center of Florence - The Oltrarno
@ Florence - The characteristic Oltrarno quarter


The Oltrarno Quarter

South of Ponte Vecchio there is the so-called Oltrarno. This quarter is the most suggestive and characteristic part of the ancient Florence In the Oltrarno there are many "trattorias", where tourists can taste typical Florentine and Tuscan dishes, craftman`s workshops and antique shops.

The Oltrarno is surrounded by green hills and rich in magnificent gardens and ancient churches with their artistic treasures.

Borgo San Frediano and Piazza Santo Spirito are the genuine heart of ancient Florence

What to see in the characteristic Oltrarno quarter:

.. Church of Carmine

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.. Church of Santo Spirito

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.. Church of Santa Felicita

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.. Church of San Miniato

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.. Boboli Garden Florence

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.. The Pitti Palace

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.. La Specola Museum

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Last Supper Santo Spirito - Near the church of Santo Spirito there is a fresco by Andrea Orcagna representind the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Salvatore Romano`s collection is displayed here. Salvatore Romano was a Neapolitan who left his collection to the city of Florence , Among the most interesting pieces there are some rare .. Last Supper Santo Spirito

Porta Romana - Once upon a time the pilgrims directed to Rome went along Via Romana and exited Florence from the impressive `Porta Romana`. The Porta Romana (Roman Gate) was part of the town walls, that the Piedmonteses destroyed in the XIX century. Only a little part of the walls has survived. In the past peasants came from the countryside to participate to the rural .. Porta Romana

Piazzale Michelangelo - Piazzale Michelangelo was built during the period in which Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The building of Piazzale Michelangelo was part of a project which included the demolition of the Medieval town walls and the creation of the ring avenues. Piazzale Michelangelo offers a magnificent view of Florence and .. Piazzale Michelangelo

Ponte Vecchio - The first documents testifying the presence of a bridge in this point of the river Arno date back to 972. The 1177 flooding and the much worster one in 1333 destroyed the bridge. Butchers initially occupied the shops on the bridge but in the XVI century the Grand Duke Ferdinando I ordered that they were replaced by jewelers .. Ponte Vecchio

Forte Belvedere - In the XVI century Ferdinando I commissioned the building of this fort to Bernardo Buontalenti. Forte Belvedere was mainly built for control purposes over the Florentine population in case of internal riots than as a defensive fortress against external attacks. From Forte Belvedere the Medici family enjoyed a complete view of the city ... Forte Belvedere

Borgo San Frediano - Not far from Piazza del Carmine and the homonymous church there is Borgo San Frediano a street rich in craftman`s shops. Until the `50, San Frediano was one of the poorest quarters in Florence In this part of the city the ancient popular atmosphere has survived . Here rises Porta San Frediano, one of the most ancient gates of Florence Unlike the rest of the town walls, Porta San Frediano was not demolished in the XIX century .. Borgo San Frediano