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Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore Florence's history on this self-guided audio tour produced by art historian Cornelia Danielson. Stroll along the Arno river and cross ancient bridges including the magnificent Ponte Vecchio, seeing a side of the city most visitors miss. This 90-minute journey reveals how the Arno determined Florence's location, powered its medieval wool industry, and connected the city to the wider world. Marvel at architectural treasures like Michelangelo's Ponte Santa Trinita and elegant Renaissance palaces including Palazzo Corsini, while exploring the fascinating Oltrarno neighborhood where dyers and weavers once lived in the shadow of noble residences. Learn about the devastating 1966 flood that damaged the National Central Library, where "Mud Angels" worked to save precious books, before ending at the impressive Porta San Frediano gateway with a deeper understanding of how humble wool workers and powerful merchant families like the Medici shaped one of Europe's greatest cities.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Piazza Demidoff. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Our tour starts in this charming riverside square. Stroll through this peaceful square while learning about Florence's historical connection to the Arno River.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Cross this ancient bridge offering spectacular views of the Arno and surrounding architecture. Experience one of Florence's oldest river crossings, rebuilt after WWII but dating back to the 13th century.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Marvel at Italy's largest library, an impressive neoclassical building housing over 6 million volumes. Discover how "Mud Angels" saved countless precious books when the devastating 1966 flood submerged a third of the collection.
Admission ticket free -
Ponte Vecchio (Pass by)
Walk across Florence's most famous bridge, lined with glittering jewelry shops housed in medieval buildings. Enjoy the unique experience of this 14th-century structure where Medici decree transformed former butcher shops into the goldsmith district you see today.
Admission ticket free -
Ponte Santa Trinita (Pass by)
Cross this elegant Renaissance bridge with its distinctive elliptical arches designed by Michelangelo. Marvel at its remarkable history, having been meticulously reconstructed stone by stone after being destroyed during WWII.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Gaze upon this magnificent Baroque palace with its distinctive top-floor loggia overlooking the river. Imagine the noble women who once observed street life from these elegant porches, a common feature of Renaissance Florentine palaces.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Marvel at one of Florence's oldest bridges, offering breathtaking views of the Arno and city skyline. Experience this historic crossing point, repeatedly rebuilt after floods and war damage, now connecting the historic center to the Oltrarno district.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Relax in this elegant square dominated by the Church of San Salvatore and the luxurious St. Regis Hotel. Take in the aristocratic atmosphere of this piazza that was once home to powerful Florentine merchant families.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Admire the simple Renaissance façade of this church hiding artistic treasures inside, including works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. Explore this spiritual center of the Humiliati religious order, who were closely associated with Florence's wool industry.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Wander through the authentic "other side of the Arno" where artisans still practice traditional crafts in historic workshops. Experience the contrast between the working-class history of dyers and weavers and the magnificent palaces of wealthy merchants who shaped this district.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Spot this distinctive medieval tower once used to monitor river traffic entering the city. Imagine the customs officials who once collected taxes here on goods arriving by boat, a reminder of the Arno's importance to Florence's economy.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
End your tour at this impressive 14th-century gateway in Florence's ancient city walls. Marvel at one of the city's best-preserved medieval gates, once the main entrance for goods arriving from the port of Pisa and the Mediterranean.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- While the route can accommodate strollers, be prepared for cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and occasional steps that might require lifting the stroller.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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