Oltrarno Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours
Type: Private neighborhood walking tour
Guide: Angela Buriani, licensed local guide
Ideal for: Slow travelers, repeat visitors
Pace: Relaxed and immersive

Venues: S. Felicita, piazza Santo Spirito, piazza Pitti, via Maggio

Across the river, a different Florence

The Oltrarno Walking Tour takes you beyond the crowds into one of Florence’s most authentic neighborhoods. Located on the south side of the Arno River, Santo Spirito quarter or Oltrarno -as the locals call it-  has long been associated with artisans, local life and a slower rhythm. Originally inhabited by fishermen and low-class workers, the area was upgraded by the arrival of the Medici Family to Pitti Palace in the XVIc and soon noble families filled the main streets with their palaces, still visible today. 

This private tour introduces you to a Florence that feels lived-in and personal. Rather than monumental squares, you will explore small streets, workshops, local churches and everyday meeting places, gaining insight into how Florentines have lived and worked for centuries.

It is an ideal experience for travelers who want to connect with the city beyond its most famous sights.

Artisans, noble palaces and daily life

Led by Angela Buriani, the tour reveals the social fabric of Oltrarno: artisan traditions, neighborhood identity and community life. Stories of craftsmen, artists, noble families and residents help bring this area to life, showing how tradition continues alongside modern living. Visit the small church of Santa Felicita, near Ponte Vecchio, first outpost of christianity in Florence, and the imposing Santo Spirito basilica: in this monastery Michelangelo studied anatomy and donated a piece of art to the prior, a hidden gem still visible.

Angela also highlights architectural and artistic details often overlooked, offering a deeper understanding of how Oltrarno developed differently from the political center of Florence.

The relaxed pace allows time to observe, ask questions and enjoy the atmosphere without rushing.