San Niccolò
Quiet Oltrarno neighbourhood at the foot of the hill
The quiet eastern corner of the Oltrarno on the south bank of the Arno, with the Porta San Niccolò, wine bars and the climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte.
A charming corner by the Arno
San Niccolò is a small, often-overlooked neighbourhood in the eastern Oltrarno, on the south bank of the Arno below the viewpoint hill. Narrow lanes, old city gates such as the Porta San Niccolò and a relaxed mix of craft workshops, trattorias and wine bars give the area its appeal, a quiet, authentic contrast to the busy historic centre across the river.
Gateway to the panorama
Above all, San Niccolò is the starting point for the climb: steps and ramps lead up from here to Piazzale Michelangelo and on to the Romanesque church of San Miniato al Monte, with its sweeping views over the city. After watching the sunset up top, San Niccolò's bars and trattorias are a good place to round off the evening.
Around San Niccolò
Piazzale Michelangelo
Florence's most famous viewpoint above the south bank of the Arno, the panorama with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and the bridges, free to enter and best at sunset.
San Miniato al Monte
The Romanesque hilltop church above Piazzale Michelangelo is one of Italy's finest, with a marble facade, golden apse mosaic and daily Gregorian vespers.
Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan church in the world. Florence's hall of fame holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli.
Giardino Bardini
This quiet terraced garden in the Oltrarno combines a Baroque staircase, the famous wisteria pergola and one of Florence's finest, most relaxed rooftop views.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Florence's oldest public building holds the world's finest collection of Renaissance sculpture, including Donatello's bronze David and works by Michelangelo.