Florence tours: north or south side of the Arno? Join us to know more!

As many other great cities, Florence geographical layout is determined by the presence of a river: the Arno, in this case. With this post I suggest you some Florence tours designed with the Arno in mind.

Florence tours, Florence north side

The ‘original’ Florence

In Ancient Age – with no aqueducts around… – the presence of water was vital for the development of civilization. Florence was born as a satellite-town of the Etruscan Fiesole: Fiesole had all the characteristics of a well defendable town, being over a hill (BTW: Fiesole is still there, now an elegant area with a beautiful view of Florence…), but it needed water, and fish, as well. Fiesole is on the north side of the Arno, and the first development of Florence was on the north bank as well.

The “center of the city center” still is the north bank area, where, in a radius of less than 650m / 0.5mi, there is the highest concentration of arts and historical heritage of the world, from the Florence Cathedral with its Cupola, to the Galleria dell’Accademia which treasures Michelangelo’s David; from the Orsanmichele church to the Bargello Museum.

This is the unmissable area of Florence, of course. The area that a Florence tour with It’s Florence! will let you know as a local!

Nevertheless, the south side of Florence has beautiful spots and landscapes. Starting with the bridge you’ll cross to get there!

A bridge with style: Ponte Vecchio

One of the most famous and beautiful bridges in the world, Ponte Vecchio is the gate to the beauty of the Florence south side.

Just a quick stroll and you get to Palazzo Pitti, with Giardino di Boboli, and Forte di Belvedere.

Few more steps and you can reach the Santa Maria del Carmine church with its masterpiece, Masaccio’s Cappella Brancacci.

Florence Tours: north & south alternative

Much more beauty is around, on both the banks of the Arno. We already mentioned the Piazzale Michelangelo with its Giardino dell’Iris, while the Parco d’Arte E. Pazzagli is an open-air museum where you can get a different view of the Arno itself.