There are many hidden gateways to the city of Florence. We all know the famous places like the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio, but what about the places that are down the small alleyways. Santi Apostoli is a sacred church that many travelers pass by. It is near the Arno river but it is hard to pick out. The history of it is very unique. Then there is a very steep street Costa San Giorgio where Galileo Galilei once lived. A quiet street with gorgeous views from every angle. As much as the famous hot spots of Florence are fabulous to see, going off the beaten path is much more worthwhile.
San Miniato al Monte can be found above it all. Located right near Piazzale Michelangelo, up a few flights of stairs, you can see a view of Florence not many see. A bottle of wine and two panini could be a great romantic evening as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. Mercato Sant'Ambrogio isn't as big as Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo but it has much more soul. Locals shop here each day and fresh produce is always found.
Guided tours always take you on the same path every time. Why not this time choose your own path? Off the beaten path, is the way everyone should experience Florence. Once the big landmarks become crowded, find an alley and follow it. You might find a cute boutique, restaurant or a great view. There is nothing wrong with following your instinct. Follow it and see where it leads.
Piazza del Limbo
A Church that drowned in the Flood of 1966...
Piazza Santa Trinita
Ghirlandaio designed the Sassetti Chapel...
Piazza d'Ognissanti
Piazza Ognissanti
The Vespucci family church who were agents of the Medici bank...
Via del Monte alle Croci 34
Via del Monte alle Croci/Viale Galileo Galilei (behind Piazzale Michelangiolo)
The legend of San Miniato who grabbed his decapitated head and ran up the hill to die where the church now stands...
Piazza de' Mozzi, 1
A museum that was the home of Stefano Bardini...
Piazza SS. Annunziata
A chapel was made with marble columns by the request of Piero di Cosimo, father of Lorenzo the Magnificent...
Piazza Ghiberti
Fruit and vegetable stands surround the outside of the market...
Via Bolognese, 17
Via Vittorio Emanuele II , 4
Free entrance with a pavilion filled with plants and flowers...
Via de Serragli, 146
A private park with a observatory tower...
Via Porta Rossa, 13
A recently renovated Florentine home...