Visit The Other Side Of Florence City, The Oltrarno!

Explore this fascinating part of Florence city, which is off the beaten tourist track, called Oltrarno! It means ’Across the Arno’ and can be visited most directly by crossing the Ponte Vecchio, a very old bridge that crosses the large Arno River. Strangely, during World War II, the German army destroyed every bridge in Florence except for this one!

Tourists wishing to stay in this city for a few days have a huge range of Florence holiday rentals to choose from where they can relax and admire the city views and attractions!
Start off your day of exploring the Oltrarno by stepping of the other side of the Vecchio Bridge to the south side of Florence.

This quarter is packed full of beautiful artisan shops, antique stalls, delicious restaurants, craft fairs and much more. The added benefit is that it still is home to many lovely museums and churches to walk around but it’s much calmer than the busiest area of Florence where Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi gallery are.

There are three primary areas in the quarter worth visiting; Santo Spirito, San Niccolò and San Frediano. Firstly, why not visit the famous Capella Brancacci decorated with exquisite Renaissance frescoes in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. The architecture of this building is mesmerising and is one of the finest examples you’ll find in the city!

Then head to the magnificent Palazzo Pitti that used to be the home of the reigning Duke of Tuscany over the years. Visitors can walk around the beautiful artworks and sculptures on display in this grand building that date from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Stop for lunch in one of the areas many scenic squares where you can sit outside as you eat and watch the world go by. This is indeed a much more peaceful place to experience the city of the Renaissance and learn about its history.

In the afternoon, it’s highly recommended to visit the spectacular Church of Santa Felicita, situated in a square of the same name.

This is the oldest church in the Oltrarno and has a majestic altarpiece here depicting the Deposition of Christ’ completed in 1528. There’s also an impressive Vasari corridor built across the façade. Nearby to this beautiful church is Costa di San Giorgio. The famous astronomer and mathematician, Galileo Galilei lived on a street here at number 19!

Then head uphill towards Forte del Belvedere as the Tuscan sun sets over the cityscape. Up here is the San Miniato a Monte church that demonstrates a very important example of Florentine Romanesque architectural styles. This is situated on a hill behind Piazzale Michelangelo, a park located high up over the city that offers breathtaking views of it. This is certainly the place to take some wonderful photographs of your cultural Tuscan holiday to Florence!

If you’re here during the summer, head to the entertaining Firenze Gelato festival which hosts events all over Florence city. It’s certainly the event to head to if you want to cool down under the burning heat of the Tuscan sun!

Finish off your artistic day with a visit to the Museo Bardini which houses over 3,600 pieces of art, antiques and historical artefacts including some dating as far back as Etruscan and Roman times. Located in Piazza de Mozzi, this brings to an end a day of learning and art appreciation which is just as wonderful as what lies on the other side of the Arno.

Why not browse through some of our articles that tell the story of the artistic Masters of the Renaissance including Michelangelo and Sandro Botticelli to help inspire places to visit in Florence where their work is on display?

A visit to the Oltrarno would certainly be an excellent option if you plan to holiday in Florence on your next vacation here!