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Cross to the Oltrarno and the Boboli Gardens, Florence

Neighbourhoods

Cross to the Oltrarno and the Boboli Gardens

Florence · Tuscany

QUICK INFORMATION

CATEGORY
Neighbourhoods
COUNTRY
Italy
REGION
Florence · Tuscany
DURATION
Half a day to a full day
DIFFICULTY
Easy walking, with some slopes up to the Boboli Gardens and Forte Belvedere.
BEST TIME
Spring and autumn; the gardens are at their best in April and May.

ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE

The Oltrarno, the quarter “across the Arno”, is the working artisan heart of Florence, where the workshops that supplied the Renaissance — gilders, wood-carvers, picture-framers, restorers and bookbinders — still operate behind open doors in the streets around Santo Spirito. It is also the quarter of the Palazzo Pitti, the vast Medici residence on the south bank, and the Boboli Gardens behind it, one of the great Italian formal gardens. Crossing the river to the Oltrarno is the easiest way to step out of the museum crowds and into the Florence that still makes things.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

What you’ll experience

More here soon — the road is still being mapped.

THE EXPERIENCE IN DETAIL

What it’s really like

More here soon — the road is still being mapped.

HIGHLIGHTS

Moments worth savouring

01

The Palazzo Pitti — the vast Renaissance palace housing the Palatine Gallery of Raphael and Titian, the Silver Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art.

02

The Boboli Gardens — the 16th-century formal garden behind the Pitti, with its avenues, fountains and the Forte Belvedere above.

03

Santo Spirito — the Brunelleschi church in the heart of the Oltrarno, with a wooden crucifix attributed to the young Michelangelo.

04

The artisan workshops — Via Maggio and the side streets, where gilders and restorers work behind open doors.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Good to know before you go

More here soon — the road is still being mapped.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Before you go

Access
Cross the Ponte Vecchio or the Ponte Santa Trinita to reach the Oltrarno; the Palazzo Pitti is a short walk from either.
Best Time
Mornings for the workshops, afternoons for the Boboli Gardens.
Context
The Oltrarno is the natural afternoon excursion from the historic centre across the river.

MAP & LOCATION

Cross to the Oltrarno and the Boboli Gardens

Cross to the Oltrarno and the Boboli Gardens, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

43.7636, 11.2494

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ATTRACTIONS NEARBY

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FOOD & DRINK

Where to eat nearby

01

Trattoria Sostanza — a historic trattoria since 1869, famous for its butter chicken and artichoke tortino, book ahead

02

All’Antico Vinaio — the city’s famous schiacciata bread sandwich, queues around the block

03

Trattoria Mario — a no-reservations lunch-only trattoria near the Mercato Centrale, honest Tuscan cooking

04

Osteria delle Tre Panche — a tiny wine bar serving the best maccheroni in the city, a few tables only

05

Ristorante Cibrèo — the classic Florentine restaurant, the place for ribollita and the chicken liver pâté

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HOTELS & STAYS

Where to stay nearby

01

Hotel Lungarno — a riverside boutique hotel overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, with a private art collection

02

Hotel Brunelleschi — a hotel built around a Byzantine tower in the historic centre, steps from the Duomo

03

Hotel Torre Guelfa Palazzo Acciaiuoli — a medieval tower hotel near the Ponte Vecchio, with a rooftop terrace

04

Hotel Cellai — a charming garden hotel in the San Lorenzo quarter, good value for a central stay

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