San Niccolò ditrict

Within the large Oltrarno area - approximately in the zone between Ponte Vecchio, the Lungarni up to Piazza Ferrucci, the slopes of Piazzale Michelangelo and Forte Belvedere – you can discover one of the most fascinating neighborhoods of the city: San Niccolò. An area far from mass tourism, to be experienced. Walking along characteristic streets and alleys we will encounter places of great historical and artistic interest, but also numerous artisan shops, as well as various venues (pubs, trattorias and restaurants) that enliven the nightlife.

Very close to Ponte Vecchio, in the direction of Palazzo Pitti, we see the Church of Santa Felicita (inside an absolute masterpiece by Pontormo, mannerist Italian painter), not far from the characteristic Piazza di Santa Maria Soprarno. From here - possible detour along Costa San Giorgio to Forte Belvedere, open only in the summer period - along Via dei Bardi we reach the medieval Piazza de' Mozzi, whose homonymous palace houses one of the most beautiful, but less known, museums in Florence: the Stefano Bardini collection, donated by the famous antique dealer. Nearby you can't miss the Villa Bardini & garden, olverlooking the city. Having returned to via di San Niccolò we encounter the Porta di San Miniato (preserved part of the ancient city walls), leaving which we can go up, along via del Monte alle Croci, until we reach Piazzale Michelangelo and the nearby, splendid Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. Piazzale Michelangelo can also be reached from Piazza Poggi, taking the scenic monumental ramps that wind behind the San Niccolò tower , the only one of the ancient city gates completely preserved.

Few steps away form Piazza Poggi, along the Arno river, on the left side there is the scenic Piazza Demidoff and, on the right, the Casa Siviero Museum, which preserves the numerous works of art recovered after the Second World War by Rodolfo Siviero.