The Oltrarno, or as we Florentines call it, “Diladdarno”, is the district on the left bank of the Arno River. This is where you’ll find the most authentic side of Florence:
* The Florence of artisans, where ancient crafts are still passed down through generations.
* The Santo Spirito district, home to a stunning church where Michelangelo studied anatomy.
* Traditional osterias and family-run trattorias, serving real Florentine cuisine.
* The local market, where a Tuscan farmer has been selling her fresh produce every morning for decades.
This neighborhood still moves at a slow and timeless pace, far from the usual tourist crowds.
A Journey Through Art, History, and Tradition
Our tour begins with a coffee in Piazza Santo Spirito, the vibrant heart of the neighborhood. Life here flows with a special energy: between markets, artisan workshops, and lively cafés, you’ll experience a more intimate and authentic Florence.
Michelangelo and Santo Spirito
After breakfast, we’ll step inside the Church of Santo Spirito, a Renaissance masterpiece that holds a hidden treasure: Michelangelo’s wooden Crucifix.
At just 19 years old, the young Michelangelo created this sculpture as a gift to the Augustinian friars, who had allowed him to stay in their convent and study human anatomy through dissections.
The story of this artwork is fascinating: it was lost for centuries, only to be rediscovered in recent years, giving us a rare glimpse into Michelangelo’s early genius.
Inside Florence’s Artisan World
Oltrarno is known as the artisans’ district, a place where art and craftsmanship fill every street.
We’ll visit historic workshops and artists’ studios, where you’ll get to see traditional techniques in action. Some of the crafts we’ll explore include:
*Traditional printing
* Metalwork
* Handmade marbled paper
Welcomed by master artisans, we’ll have the privilege of watching them work, witnessing firsthand the passion and precision behind Florence’s centuries-old artisan tradition.
Palazzo Pitti: From the Medici to the Italian Royals
We’ll end our tour in front of Palazzo Pitti, the last great residence of the Medici family.
This grand palace has an incredible history: originally built by a rival family, it was later purchased by Eleonora de Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici, who transformed it into a magnificent ducal residence.
Over the centuries, Palazzo Pitti became home to not only the Medici, but also the House of Lorraine, and later, the Italian Royal Family, after the country’s unification in 1861.
A journey into the most authentic side of Florence, where history, craftsmanship, and local traditions still thrive in every corner of this magical neighborhood.