Location: Oltrarno
Top Things to do in Oltrarno
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What to do and see in Oltrarno, Tuscany: The Best Things to do
Florence is an art historian’s dream. The Galleria dell'Accademia bursts with works by Michelangelo, who is entombed within the frescoed walls of the Basilica di Santa Croce. Budding photographers can snap pics of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, and serious shoppers can spend a blissful afternoon wandering the shops of Piazza Santo Spirito. Tuscan cuisine pays homage to the region’s bounty. Swipe a hunk of crusty bread across a pool of local olive oil and you’ll be instantly transported to your happiest place.
Restaurants in Florence
1. Art Gallery Studio Iguarnieri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 155 reviews
Art Gallery Studio Iguarnieri is the most well known studio of Local Artists in Florence, where International Collectors buy Original Fine Art. The studio specializes in Contemporary Fresco Paintings and Sculptures over the last 20 years for the Art Lovers of all around the world. Under the Michelangelo’s Piazzale, in front of the River, Just outside San Niccolò doors, in a townhouse with terrace, the florentine Masters Roberto and Rodolfo paint in fresco technique on wood surface. Florence, tuscany Landscapes, tributes to Michelangelo, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Ghirlandaio, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, till Picasso and Modigliani nudes, you may satisfy every single wish for your home. World wide shipping guarantee.
Reviewed By pgorski412
Passionate about fine modern and contemporary painting and sculpture, I searched throughout Florence for working artists and a gallery that could rightly shine amidst the Renaissance glories of Florence. The afternoon I spent with the Guarnieri brothers, Roberto and Rodolfo, will be forever etched among my life's great and genuine joys. They were most generous with their time, attention, spirit and interest in my own philosophy of art and life. Their work represents the essence of refined taste and whimsical perspective. The grand painting I now proudly hang in my home each day refreshes the insights, humility, cleverness and joy of my appreciation and respect for the Guarnieris and their artistry.
2. Ponte Vecchio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20,586 reviews
Erected during Roman times, this is the most ancient and photographed bridge in Florence, which is characterized by three arches and two wide arcades on each side housing the famous and unusual "botteghe" or shops.
Reviewed By MaggieBtravels
The Ponte Vecchio is a must see when in Florence. Crossing the bridge itself is interesting, if only for the crowds of people, the history, and the path that leads to new streets to explore. The real beauty of the old bridge though is in a stroll along the Arno, especially at night to take advantage of the incredible reflections, to view the bridge from along the river.
3. Santa Maria del Carmine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
An elegant church decorated by Masaccio's famous frescoes on the life of St. Peter.
4. Basilica di Santo Spirito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
While it may not look like much from the outside, the elaborate interior of Brunelleschi's landmark church proves that it is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
Reviewed By artmac21 - Inverness, United Kingdom
I came across this church after visiting the Pitti Palace. It was in an area recommended by a local for eating out in. The Church, a Basilica nonetheless, is simple on the outside but a joy inside. It’s much larger than I anticipated on the inside, but full of light, no mean feat given the time it was built. Others refer to its simplicity but it’s not. It’s full of space and light which makes everything seem less overwhelming to take in. I understand it was designed by the same architect as the Duomo, and that makes sense, as it’s got genius in it. Their is some incredible art, and an alter that is astounding. It’s free to get in but you need two euros in coins to access the sacristy with Michelangelo’s crucifix. I didn’t have that and was slightly disappointed but next time I will be prepared. However, the works available freely made up for this. It’s a working church and I suspect locally cherished so no photos please. I know it seems unfair but it is place of worship first and foremost. An unexepected joy, which is a massive achievement as I’d just seen the Uffizi and the Pitti so I should have been exhausted by the art. I wasn’t. It renewed me and astounded me, given the age of the church, it’s construction and art are mind blowing. A real treasure.
5. Cappella Brancacci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
The church and convent of the Carmine in Florence were founded shortly after the middle of the thirteenth century, by a group of Carmelite monks from Pisa. In the church we find the Brancacci Chapel, a masterpiece known around the world for its frescoes of the Life of Saint Peter by Masaccio and Masolino. Created between 1425-1427, the frescoes were left incomplete and finished by Filippino Lippi between 1481 and 1482
Reviewed By jennyf818 - Montreal, Canada
The Chapel is definitely worth seeing,as the frescoes are breath-taking. Much of the Church is cordoned off due to restorations but do not let that prevent you from visiting. As small as the Chapel is, the frescoes run the length and breadth of the walls - an absolute marvel to see! An audio/video guide is also provided to further elaborate on the works of art in the Chapel.
6. Palazzo Pitti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,738 reviews
A complex of art museums housing some of the most celebrated treasures in the city..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The palace, which houses several important museums, was built in the second half of the 15th century by project of Filippo Brunelleschi for rich banker Luca Pitti. Pitti's intention was to build a palace that would overshadow Palazzo Medici. However, the building could not really be compared to the size or luxury of the Medici family palace. Luca Pitti died in 1472 and the construction remained unfinished. The architectural significance of this palace lies in its simplicity and strict lines. The stone facade is roughly finished in a rural style. The original building, formed by two floors and the ground floors, with only five windows on each floor, was purchased in 1550 by Eleonora da Toledo, the wife of the Grand Duke Cosimo I de'Medici, thus becoming the official residence of the family. The later rulers of these lineage are upgraded palace and arranged gardens around it (Boboli Park). Most of the upgrades date from the 17th and early 18th centuries. As regards the domestic life inside the palace, it is know that it was the home of several components of the family who were distributed in different private apartments. The rooms on the left wing belonged to the Grand Duke, while those on the right side were used by the heir. The lateral wings housed the apartments of their wives. The rooms on the second floor contained the large library, while the side rooms were used for the children. The left side on the ground floor housed the apartment that the Grand Duke used in summer. An important detail of history is the fact that Anna Maria Luisa de 'Medici (11 August 1667 - 18 February 1743) was the last heiress of the House of Medici. She was the patron of the arts, and she decided to donate the Medici's large and rich collection, including the contentsof the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti and the Medicean villas which inherited after the death of her brother Gian Gastone in 1737, and her Palatine treasures to the Tuscan State, on the a condition that no part of it could be removed from Florence. During the nineteenth century, the Pitti Palace was used by Napoleon Bonaparte and later was the residence of the King of United Italy. In 1919, the palace, with its rich artistic treasures, was donated to the Italian people by King Vitorio III Emanuel. Today, the palace and the Boboli gardens house the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Costume Gallery, the Porcelain Museum and the Museum of Carriages. They include works by Titian, Giorgione, Rafael and Rubens, among others.
7. Galleria Palatina in Palazzo Pitti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,545 reviews
Reviewed By Rowland45 - Iowa City, United States
The Pitti is getting crowded but still much less so than it's brethren on the Uffizi side. The Palatine galleria was established by the Hapsburgs after they became the rulers of Florence using mainly art belonging to the Medici family. Many changes were made to the palace but one thing never changed and that is the grandeur, The Palatine displays more art than one can absorb in one visit. It is really crammed in. There are numerous masterpieces on display among ho-hum pieces. Go drink it in. Try to visit the other parts of the palace too. Unless you have extra time don't bother with the gardens They are large but not particularly attractive..
8. Museo di Storia Naturale - La Specola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
From 1sr September ‘La Specola’ Museum will close to allow for refurbishment works to be carried out to its historic headquarters. The duration of the works is planned for 18 months. This fascinating natural history collection can be traced back to the Medici family. Full of taxidermied animals of all types, skeletons and wax anatomical models, it is a must for the curious, as well as science and history lovers.
Reviewed By Marziomartel - Rome, Italy
The Natural History Museum of Florence is one of the most fascinating places I've ever seen! Its collection includes a splendid series of anatomical wax models produced by the Florentine wax-making workshop, the oldest in the world, and an amazing collection of animals, insects, minerals, plants and other creatures of land, sea and air, some of which are now extinct! It is really a museum that can entertain adults and children and will let you discover many interesting things. Currently the natural history museum is divided into three locations: “La Specola” with the collections of wax models and animals; “La Pira” which is the botanical garden and “Palazzo Nonfinito” which houses the ethnological and anthropological collection. All three are extraordinary, but if you don't have much time I recommend La Specola! The visit of the ancient ceroplastic collection is only with the guide and there is one every hour! Marzio from Rome
9. Piazza Santo Spirito
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 549 reviews
This unique Florentine piazza is the center of the artisan quarter. Dominated by the last masterpiece of Brunelleschi, the Basilica of Santo Spirito, the square is home to little local markets and antique fairs.
Reviewed By Rach1167
Piazza Santo Spirito is my favorite square in Florence- local farmer/artisan markets at least a few times a week, great restaurants, cafes, plus it has a water fountain and trees!
10. Museo Stefano Bardini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The museum is named after its creator, Stefano Bardini (1854-1922), the most authoritative Italian antiquarian, who transformed his collection into a museum.The Museo Bardini houses over 2,000 items, including sculptures, paintings and the applied arts, from ancient art to the eighteenth century, with the majority from Middle Ages and Renaissance. Among the most significant works are the Madonna della Mela and the Madonna dei Cordai by Donatello, Saint Michael Archangel by Antonio del Pollaiolo.
