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Florence
Florence Arno River Walking Tour: Bridges, History & Hidden Gems
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Overview
Bridging Florence’s History: Arno River Self-Guided Walking Tour allows one to discover Florence in a unique way. This audio tour, created by art historian Cornelia Danielson, guides explorers along the Arno River, revealing the city's hidden stories and stunning sights.
During the tour, one will stroll across ancient bridges like the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita, while uncovering how the Arno River shaped Florence. Expect to see elegant Renaissance palaces like Palazzo Corsini in the Oltrarno neighborhood, once home to dyers and weavers.
This 90-minute self-guided tour includes lifetime access to audio, maps, and geodata via an app for both Android and iOS devices. It offers the flexibility to explore at one's own pace. Please note that it excludes smartphones, headphones, entrance fees, food, drinks and transportation. 
Highlights
Explore at Your Own Pace: Enjoy the freedom to discover Florence's Arno River with a self-guided tour.
Uncover Hidden History: Learn about Florence's past and the Arno's impact on the city.
See Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Ponte Vecchio and other famous sites along the river.
Offline Access: Access maps and audio even without internet.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoy the self-guided walking tour, praising its informative content, flexibility, and unique perspective on Florence's history. Making sure to bring personal smartphones and headphones.
Customers love learning about Florence's history in a new way.
Many appreciate the flexibility of the self-guided tour.
The audio guide is well-regarded as informative and easy to follow.
Reviewers enjoy discovering hidden gems and stories along the Arno.
Some users wish the tour included entry fees to attractions.
A few reviewers noted needing to ensure their phones are charged.
The Journey
Piazza della Signoria
Begin your Florentine adventure in the Piazza della Signoria, the city's historic heart. Once a focal point for political rallies and public gatherings, it is now a captivating open-air museum. Admire the Fountain of Neptune, a symbol of Florence's maritime aspirations, and the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the city's town hall. Feel the pulse of Florence's past as you stroll through this iconic square.
Ponte Vecchio
Cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's only bridge spared from destruction during WWII. Marvel at the shops built along it, a tradition that dates back centuries. Originally home to butchers, the Medici family transformed the bridge into a haven for goldsmiths, ensuring a more refined atmosphere for their daily commute. Today, it is a glittering showcase of jewelry and a beloved symbol of Florence.
Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze
Visit the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze, Italy's largest library, an imposing neoclassical structure holding over 6 million volumes. Discover the heroic efforts of the 'Mud Angels' who rescued countless books during the devastating 1966 flood that submerged a third of the collection. A testament to the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, the library stands as a beacon of knowledge and resilience.
Ponte Vecchio
Experience the magic of the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's most famous bridge, uniquely adorned with glittering jewelry shops nestled within medieval buildings. Built in the 14th century, this iconic landmark offers a glimpse into Florence's past, where Medici decree transformed former butcher shops into the goldsmith district, creating the stunning spectacle you see today. Enjoy a truly unforgettable walk across this historical treasure.
Ponte Santa Trinita
Walk across the Ponte Santa Trinita, Florence's most elegant Renaissance bridge, distinguished by its elliptical arches attributed to Michelangelo's design. Appreciate its remarkable history, having been meticulously reconstructed stone by stone after its destruction during WWII. This bridge offers breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno, creating a picture-perfect Florentine moment.
Palazzo Corsini
Admire Palazzo Corsini, a magnificent Baroque palace that boasts a distinctive top-floor loggia overlooking the Arno River. Envision the noble women of Florence observing city life from these elegant porches, a common feature in Renaissance Florentine palaces. Explore the palace's grandeur and imagine the lives of the aristocratic families who once resided within its walls.
Ponte alle Grazie
Marvel at the Ponte alle Grazie, one of Florence's oldest bridges, providing breathtaking vistas of the Arno and the city skyline. This historic crossing has been rebuilt numerous times due to floods and war damage. Today, it serves as a vital link between the historic center and the Oltrarno district, offering a glimpse into Florence's enduring spirit.
Piazza Ognissanti
Relax in the elegant Piazza Ognissanti, dominated by the Church of San Salvatore and the luxurious St. Regis Hotel. Soak in the aristocratic atmosphere of this piazza, once home to powerful Florentine merchant families. The square offers a blend of historical significance and modern luxury, embodying Florence's unique charm.
Chiesa di Ognissanti
Admire the simple Renaissance facade of the Chiesa di Ognissanti, a church hiding artistic treasures within, including works by Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. Explore the spiritual center of the Humiliati religious order, who were closely linked to Florence's thriving wool industry. Discover the church's hidden gems and gain insights into Florence's artistic and religious heritage.
Oltrarno District
Wander through the authentic Oltrarno district, the 'other side of the Arno,' where artisans continue practicing traditional crafts in historic workshops. Experience the contrast between the working-class history of dyers and weavers and the magnificent palaces of wealthy merchants who shaped this district. This vibrant neighborhood offers a glimpse into the real, unvarnished Florence.
Torre di San Niccolò
Spot the distinctive medieval Torre di San Niccolò, once used to monitor river traffic entering the city. Imagine the customs officials collecting taxes on goods arriving by boat, a reminder of the Arno's vital role in Florence's economy. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and gain a unique perspective on Florence's history.
Porta San Miniato
Conclude your tour at the impressive Porta San Miniato, a 14th-century gateway in Florence's ancient city walls. Marvel at one of the city's best-preserved medieval gates, once the main entrance for goods arriving from the port of Pisa and the Mediterranean. This historical landmark offers a glimpse into Florence's past as a major trade hub.
Know Before You Go
This self-guided tour includes lifetime access to the tour in English, offline access to audio, maps, and geodata via a mobile app for Android and iOS. The tour provides flexibility, allowing one to explore at one's own pace with GPS directions to the starting point. It does not include a smartphone, headphones, tickets or entrance fees to any attractions, food, drinks, or transportation.
Hot Tip
A helpful tip from other travelers is to bring a portable phone charger to make sure the phone lasts for the whole tour. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is very important.
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