Santo Spirito, an authentic and energetic district.

Santo Spirito district is situated in the south-west area of the historic center, so-called Oltrarno, and surrounds Santo Spirito square.

The atmosphere in this neighbourhood is unique. It’s near some of the best known monuments in Florence, but not so near that it has been tainted by mass tourism. Therefore, this area offers a truly authentic experience of Florence. For example, there are open-air markets that bring the main square to life, there are restaurants and pubs that open late and offer a meeting point for young people to socialise and, in the summer period, there are concerts and exhibitions where for people to enjoy. Santa Spirito is truly one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Florence. Furthermore, in the square lies the church of Santo Spirito. Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of it’s yellow facade- it was built by Brunelleschi and is one of the most beautiful renaissance churches in Florence.

Not very far from here, is the majestic Palazzo Pitti, wanted by the Pitty family and built in the fifteenth century by Brunelleschi. Over the years it’s rooms have hosted the Medici Family, the grand duke of Tuscany, and Savoia and Lorena families.

Today it hosts 5 museums: Galleria Palatina with the masterpieces of Raffaello and Tiziano, Galleria d’arte Moderna with Macchiaioli’s works, the Museo degli Argenti, the Galleria del Costume, the Museo delle Porcellane and Carrozze. From Palazzo Pitti it is easy to reach Boboli Garden, a very important garden directly connected to Forte Belvedere as well as some other important attractions; Carmine square and its church (famous in the world because of Masaccio’s frescos), Palazzo Guadagni, San Frediano Church in Cestello and the handicraft streets of Florence where time seems to stand still.