This was not the first time that I’d visited the lovely city of Florence, or Firenze, as the Italians call it. As a matter of fact, this was my seventh visit to the city. When visiting this popular Tuscan destination, I prefer to stay in the area known as the Oltrarno. This is the area south of the Arno River. I like it here, because it is much less crowded than the rest of the Historical Center, and yet there are still plenty of things to see, and places to eat in, all within a few minutes’ walk. In my opinion, it is one of the last remaining “true” neighborhoods of the city, but more on that later. We rented a lovely, one-bedroom apartment for the duration of our visit. It was located on a small side street, set back from the bustle of the city, and was just perfect for us!
The Ex-Chiesa di Santa Monica is now a venue for opera performances, and other cultural events.
Family crests and papal seals are everywhere, in this beautiful city. They are a reminder of the power and glory that Florence once had.
A plaque on a wall commemorates the house where Francesco Ferruccio, or Ferrucci, as he was also known, was born. He was a popular Florentine captain, who rose to fame under Giovanni d’Medici. He lived from 1489 to 1530, and was so loved by the citizens of the city that, after his death, it became common to name male children “Ferruccio,” in honor of him.
The front of many of the city’s palazzos are still adorned with hooks, embedded into the walls. These were used by visitors, who would tie their horses up, before entering the houses.
The Torre dei Lanfredini, also known as Torre del Gallo, is found on Via Santo Spirito. The tower, built by the powerful Lanfredini Family, dates from the beginning of the 14th century. It can be visited today, by appointment only.
The large, arched entrance way, on the ground level, once led to a storage area, and the Loggia. Now, it is an antiques shop.
Next up: More of beautiful Florence, including the famous Ponte Vecchio, and the Church of Santo Spirito!
Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from wonderful Italian destinations. Grazie!
There is a small town in Florencia called Scandicci.There is a villa that belonged to Brandimarte (argentiere).Please visit it if you can.There is a painted mural in the :cantina”.With portraits of the family included Nicolo CaroSio.Who was the first to narrate the soccer games on the radio.My name is Maria Duron better known as Chiqui and I painted eleven portraits in the mural in 1979 .With a swredish- Italian artist :Jimmy Joseph Zapulla Conte della Nocce