Florence by night: an enchanting tour

Florence, a city renowned for its daytime splendor, reveals a different kind of magic after the sun sets. As the crowds thin and the lights cast a warm glow on ancient stones, a captivating atmosphere descends. This walking tour invites you to experience the enchantment of Florence at night, hitting some of its most iconic landmarks and uncovering their nocturnal secrets.

If you spend approximately 15 minutes at each location, the tour should be around 2 to 2.5 hours on foot.

Starting Point: Piazza della Signoria - right after sunset

Begin your evening in Piazza della Signoria, the city’s historic heart. By this time, the day trippers have largely departed, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of Palazzo Vecchio and the statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi with a different perspective.

Curiosity: a fascinating detail about the Torre di Arnolfo is that it actually incorporates a pre-existing tower. When Palazzo Vecchio was built, the tower of the Foraboschi family, known as the “Torre della Vacca” (Tower of the Cow), was integrated into the new structure. You can still see evidence of this today in the form of walled-up windows on the facade of the Palazzo Vecchio, a silent reminder of the tower that stood there before Arnolfo di Cambio’s iconic addition.

Il Porcellino ("the boar") and Via Por Santa Maria

A short stroll from Piazza della Signoria brings you to the Mercato Nuovo, home to the famous bronze boar called “Il Porcellino.”

Curiosity: Legend says rubbing the boar’s snout brings good luck and ensures a return to Florence. At night, the market stalls are closed, giving you a clearer view of the statue and the surrounding architecture. Rub his nose under the soft evening lights. From here, wander onto Via Por Santa Maria, a street once bustling with silk merchants and now lined with leather goods shops, their shutters down for the night, revealing glimpses of the interiors.

Corridoio Vasariano

Continue along Via Por Santa Maria, and you’ll soon find yourself alongside the elevated passageway of the Corridoio Vasariano.

Curiosity: This corridor was built to keep the Medici family secret. Built in the 16th century, allowed the family to move between the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti without having to walk through the streets, ensuring their safety and privacy. Imagine the secrets and stories these walls hold as you walk beneath its arches in the quiet of the evening.

Ponte Vecchio

The Corridoio Vasariano will lead you directly to Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s only bridge spared destruction during World War II.

Curiosity: At night, the shops lining the bridge are closed, their metal shutters creating a unique, almost fortress-like appearance. Look closely at the Torre dei Mannelli, the tower at the end of the bridge that the Vasariano Corridor cleverly wraps around. Legend has it that the Mannelli family refused to allow the corridor to be built through their tower, forcing Vasari to design around it. The Arno River flowing beneath, reflecting the city lights, adds a romantic touch to the scene.

Palazzo Pitti

Cross Ponte Vecchio and continue south to reach the imposing Palazzo Pitti.

Curiosity: While the palace itself is closed at night, its grand facade, illuminated against the dark sky, is a sight to behold. Imagine the lavish banquets and powerful figures that once graced its halls. The vast Boboli Gardens behind the palace are shrouded in darkness, adding an air of mystery to the scene.

Piazza Santo Spirito

A short walk from Palazzo Pitti brings you to the vibrant Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno district.

Curiosity: Even at night, Piazza Santo Spirito retains a lively atmosphere. You might find locals enjoying a late-night drink at one of the cafes that remain open. The simple yet beautiful facade of the Santo Spirito Church, designed by Brunelleschi, is particularly striking under the evening lights. This piazza offers a glimpse into the more authentic, less touristy side of Florence.

What are you waiting for?

Enjoy your nocturnal exploration of Florence!

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