Florence’s Oltrarno Virtual Tour – The Other Side of the Renaissance
Discover a different side of Florence on a fascinating virtual tour with slides through the Oltrarno, one of the city’s most authentic, artistic, and charming neighborhoods, where magnificent Renaissance palaces, extraordinary churches, hidden masterpieces, and centuries-old artisan traditions reveal the soul of Florence beyond its famous landmarks.
Located on the opposite bank of the Arno River, the Oltrarno, meaning “beyond the Arno,” is a captivating world of picturesque streets, lively squares, historic workshops, and architectural treasures. Here, away from the busiest tourist routes, we will discover a Florence filled with fascinating stories, remarkable art, and unexpected beauty.
Our journey will begin with the magnificent Palazzo Pitti, one of Florence’s most impressive Renaissance palaces and the former residence of the powerful Medici family. We will uncover the fascinating history of this extraordinary building, explore its connection to Florence’s ruling dynasties, and admire some of the artistic treasures associated with its magnificent collections. We will also discover the beauty and history of the famous Boboli Gardens, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance garden design.
We will then explore the enchanting Piazza Santo Spirito, one of Florence’s most beloved squares, surrounded by charming cafés, historic buildings, and traditional artisan workshops.
Here, we will discover the extraordinary Basilica of Santo Spirito, designed by the great Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Behind its surprisingly simple façade lies a magnificent interior filled with harmony, elegant proportions, and artistic treasures, including a remarkable wooden crucifix created by a young Michelangelo.
Our journey will continue to the historic Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, home to one of the most revolutionary masterpieces of Renaissance painting: the Brancacci Chapel. We will also venture beyond the neighborhood’s most familiar streets to discover the spectacular Basilica of San Miniato al Monte, one of Florence’s most beautiful Romanesque churches. Perched high above the city, this extraordinary sanctuary offers breathtaking views of Florence and preserves fascinating mosaics, elegant marble decorations, and centuries of religious history.
From the grandeur of Renaissance palaces to the intimate beauty of historic churches, from extraordinary artistic masterpieces to breathtaking panoramic views, this journey will reveal a lesser-known Florence filled with history, beauty, creativity, and timeless charm.
Check in your timezone here
Time zones examples:
- Rome Time: 07.00 pm
- London Time: 06.00 pm
- Los Angeles Time: 10.00 am
The tour will last approximately 1 hour. At the end of the tour you will be given the chance to interact and make questions just like a live tour. The tour takes place in English!
ℹ️ How much does the virtual tour cost?
Our virtual tours are tip-based and not free, they rely entirely on contributions from participants. This means we do not impose a fixed ticket price to join. Every participant is welcome to take part in the tour and decide how much to contribute based on their satisfaction and personal budget.
❗Please note❗: To ensure the sustainability of the project, we regularly monitor the donations received, based on participation in previous tours, and, if necessary, we may apply participation limits or suspend accounts.This is essential to maintain the quality of our tours, ensure fairness, and continue rewarding the valuable work of our guides. You can leave a tip here:
How to Join:
The tour will be hosted on Zoom. To register, you are required to enter your full name (first and last name). The tour will be hosted on Zoom. After the registration, you will receive via email a personal link to access the virtual event. To protect your privacy, your camera will be disabled during the event.