Description

Our second itinerary begins in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, where we will admire the extraordinary equinoctial armillary sphere and the historic Ospedale di San Paolo. From there, we will move toward the Colonna del Trebbio and walk along Via delle Belle Donne, a street filled with fascinating stories.

We will stop in front of the magnificent Palazzo Rucellai, where we will uncover the intriguing story of Sir Robert Dudley, a man with an adventurous fate. Continuing along the ancient Via di San Brancazio, we will reach its namesake church—though its proper name may actually be San Pancrazio.

Our route then takes us along Via dei Fossi, where we will explore the prestigious Arte della Seta, before arriving at Piazza Goldoni, home to a statue with an unfortunate history. Crossing the Ponte alla Carraia, also known as the hunchback bridge, we will delve into Via dei Serragli, reach the charming Canto della Cuculia, and pass through Via Sant’Agostino, before concluding our journey in Piazza Santo Spirito, the vibrant heart of Florence’s Oltrarno district.

Along the way, we will uncover fascinating curiosities:

• Where were the first magnolia and hydrangea planted in Florence?

• Where was the city’s first homeopathic pharmacy located?

• Who was Fioretta Mazzei, and why is she so important to Florence’s history?

A journey through art, history, and anecdotes that will reveal an unexpected and captivating side of Florence. Are you ready to discover it?