Hidden Gems of Florence

Our Local Expert Says:

"You can buy fruit at a low, low price."

Description:

Located in Piazza Ghiberti, Mercato Sant' Ambrogio is a hidden gem of Florence. The mornings bring the fresh fruit and vegetables stands surrounding the market and paired with the scent of fresh flowers that awaken the senses. Mercato Sant' Ambrogio is opened for business from 7am to 2pm every day except Sunday. Walking into the market, which was built in 1860's, you will find market explode with sounds of dishes clattering from one of the many restaurants, the chit chat of Italian banter and of course the smells. Meat, cheese, wine, fresh herbs, you name it you can smell it.  Although Mercato Sant' Ambrogio isn't as big and glorified as the Mercato Centrale, it is all about your preference. Having a small compact market like Mercato Sant' Ambrogio can bring you closer to the Italian lifestyle.

Our Local Expert Says:

"Piazza del Limbo refers to the cemetery under the piazza where babies were buried who weren't baptized."

Description:

SS. Apostoli has much history dedicated to it.  Not many people know about this exquisite church located right next the Arno river in Piazza del Limbo.  Legend has it that there is a cemetery underneath the cobblestones where babies were buried.  They died before being baptized.  Hence the name of the piazza, Limbo.  Built in the 11th century, Santissimi Apostoli is one of the oldest churches in Florence.  The facade speaks to the Romanesque period and the main doors from the 14th century.  The Latin inscription to the left of the door expresses the founder of Santissimi Apostoli as Charlemagne in the year 800.  SS. Apostoli was severely damaged in the 1966 flood when the Arno river came over it's walls and flowed into the church.  Many of the frescoes were damaged beyond repair others are still being restored to this day.  It is a peaceful place and even being in the center of Florence, SS. Apostoli blocks out all the hustle and bustle of the city within it's walls.

Located in Piazza del Limbo, Open daily 10am-noon, 4-7pm

Description:

Cibero boasts some of Florence's most renowned food. Chef Fabio Picchi creates traditional dishes that a Tuscan Grandmother would make, but with the highest quality ingredients, and a master chef's technique. The restaurant itself is a fine dinning experience--down to the linen table cloths--but the trattoria next door (of the same name) is more or less the same menu without the frills. Be sure to book in advance for the restaurant, and if you're going to the Tratorria be ready for a wait as it does not accept reservations.

Our Local Expert Says:

There is also the furniture on display of his bedroom and how it would've looked back then.

Description:

Dante's house was located between the church of "S. Martino" and "Piazza dei Donati",which was the 13th century location of the houses of the Alighieri family, as reported in many old documents. At the beginning of the 20th century, after several studies and researches, the Municipal Administration ordered the building of this house to celebrate the place of birth of Dante. The first floor of the house holds the documents of his youth during the 13th century. The second floor are documents related to his exile from Florence in 1301. The third floor shows how Dante has been appreciated throughout the ages and what he has given to the Italian culture, more especially the Florentine culture. There are also works of art representing his life as reproduced by Giotto, Beato Angelico, Ghirlandaio, Raphael and Michelangelo.

Description:

This little enoteca off the beaten path is just the place for people looking to get away from those crowded Piazze(squares).  It is located in a tiny piazza called Piazza dei Rossi.  It has a homey feeling and welcoming atmosphere. The staff is very helpful and kind. If you don't know what you type of wine to try, they will suggest something perfect for you. And to munch on from a long morning of walking, there is an array of cheese plates, salumi, and caprese. In addition, there are typical panini and schiachiatte made with fresh ingredients with superb flavor to add to the experience.  They provide a hearty list of wines from small producers throughout Italy. You will find wines in this shop that you won't find anywhere else in Florence.

Our Local Expert Says:

Visit the Cantina Antinori where you can sample the wines each property produces in Tuscany and Umbria.

Description:

This building, an example of 15th-century civil architecture, is in the heart of Renaissance Florence, near the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and opposite the San Gaetano baroque church, which dates from the year 1000AD. Built for Giovanni Boni, it was constructed by Giuliano da Maiano who included a wide, internal courtyard, reflecting the geometric canons and harmonious equilibrium of the architecture of the time. The building is now private property, having passed out of the hands of the Antinori family in 1506. Their name, thankfully, has been preserved.

Description:

Commissioned by grand duke Ferdinando I, this unusual fort (also known as Forte San Giorgio) was built by Buontalenti and Don Giovanni de' Medici at the end of the 16th century to defend the city from enemy attack. It could be reached - and still can be today thanks to restoration work carried out during the 1950's - from the east side of the Boboli gardens. The pathway around the perimeter of the fort gives visitors breathtaking views of Florence's skyline as well as the Tuscan hills beyond and overlooks nearby Palazzina del Belvedere. Built by Bartolomeo Ammannati a few decades before the fortifications, the Palazzina is a popular art exhibition venue. The fort holds temporary exhibitions on a regular basis (for which it charges an admission fee), while access to the lawns surrounding it is usually free.

Description:

Borgo Antico is constantly packed with a relatively young crowd. Its location, opposite Santo Spirito church, makes it particularly enchanting. In summer, customers can eat in the outdoor cafe. The gigantic dishes that are offered include vegetable and fish starters and excellent meats with salad and tomatoes.  It also offers good pizza and great homemade desserts.  You can also get the pizzas to go.  Just say "porta via" and you are set to go.

Our Local Expert Says:

"A peaceful place to read a book or write away from the bustle of the center."

Description:

Giardino dell'Orticoltura was built by Giacomo Roster in 1879 for the Società Toscana di Orticoltura (the Tuscan Horticultural Society), this impressive steel and glass pavilion is used to display the flowers and plants that are grown each year. Marquis Pietro Torrigiani, the chief of the Georgofili Academia, founded the Tuscan society of Horticultural in 1859. Since then, the Florentines come to admire the flowers and plants grown during the month of April where there are exhibitions.  The grounds surrounding the pavilion are very serene with a playground for the children on a fall day. 

Our Local Expert Says:

Each season the menu changes, try the specialty of the day it will not disappoint.

Description:

Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni was founded in 1550 in a tiny piazza called Piazza della Passera. Only Fiorentini know this tiny relam between Via dello Sprone, Piazza Frescobaldi and Borgo San Jacopo. A triangle piazza that once stood a brothel which the piazza was named after. The story of the Quattro Leoni (Four Lions) is the ancient name given to the crossroads of Via Toscanella e Via dei Velluti where a stone base depicting a lion rampant sits. The "Marzocco" is a symbol of the Florentine Republic and a warrior that takes its name from the God of Mars, the protector of the Roman Florentia. The Marzocco created by Donatello carved in marble is now viewed at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. This ancient trattoria originated after World War II when the Florentine delicacies were thriving. A traditional Florentine tavern, wine shop, deli and cheese shop as well. A very popular place to eat among the locals as well as tourists and the elite of Hollywood. A staff that is friendly, kind and a restaurant that welcomes a tone of genuine Florentine made dishes, hospitality and an atmosphere that you can only experience at Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni.