Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Santa Maria del Carmine - Brancacci Chapel
- Santo Spirito Basilica
Photos & Highlights
- Stroll through the charming streets of the Santo Spirito neighborhood and discover its artistic masterpieces
- Led by an experienced art historian
Select a date
Tour Description
Located on the south bank of the Arno River, the Oltrarno Italian for 'Oltre l'Arno', meaning 'beyond the Arno') is one of the most charming districts of Florence, with its timeless narrow streets and bustling markets. Guided by a local art historian, this 3-hour tour takes you to the Santo Spirito neighborhood of Oltrarno, home to grandiose churches and a vivid example of how history, art, and everyday life coexist in perfect harmony in Florence.
Experts
Your journey begins at the Brancacci Chapel in Piazza del Carmine, adorned with Masaccio's groundbreaking frescoes. Described by Vasari as a revolutionary leap in Renaissance art, these frescoes have recently been through a long restoration process, and offer an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of artistic perspective and storytelling.
Next, you’ll walk through the lively Piazza Santo Spirito and enter Brunelleschi's Santo Spirito Church, a treasure of Renaissance architecture. The church houses a famous crucifix, rediscovered and displayed only since 2000, attributed to the young Michelangelo Buonarroti, who "ted to the young and of a 17-year-old Michelangelo Buonarroti.
You will continue strolling around the Oltrarno neighborhood, once defined by its artisan workshops and quiet charm,and center of remarkable transformations in recent years, blending rich traditions with a more modern, dynamic energy shaped by students, tourists, and resilient locals.
At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you to their favorite local winery or eatery for a glass of wine or a local treat while you discuss the wonders you have just witnessed and the living history of this area of Florence.
- You want to gain insights that go beyond guidebooks and embrace the authentic charm of Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood.
- You’d like to uncover hidden treasures, like young Michelangelo’s crucifix kept in the Santo Spirito church.
- You're fascinated by the evolution of Renaissance art and eager to experience the intersection of art and daily life in Florence through the eyes of a local expert art historian.
- Brancacci Chapel
- Piazza Santo Spirito
- Santo Spirito Church
Tickets
Tickets to the Brancacci Chapel are included in the cost of the tour. However, there may be nominal entrance fees at some sites that are not included in the price, typically just a few euros for churches. It's a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Florence prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
We do not drink wine. Can we skip the wine stop or get a non-alcoholic stop?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to have wine, we can easily replace the wine stop with a coffee break or another non-alcoholic option. Simply include a note with your request in the special instructions at checkout, and we'll make the necessary arrangements.
Is this tour good for families?
While it is not specifically designed for children, families are more than welcome to join. The content is engaging for all ages, and we strive to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Can we add the visit to an artisan workshop?
This tour focuses primarily on the historical and artistic significance of the neighborhood, including the Basilicas and the Brancacci Chapel. If you're interested in exploring the local artisan traditions, we recommend our Oltrarno Artisans tour, which offers a deeper dive into the region’s craftsmanship.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, this tour is accessible for individuals with mobility challenges or those in a wheelchair. All the venues we visit, including the Brancacci Chapel, have accommodations such as elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility. However, please note that Florence's streets are known for their cobblestones and uneven sidewalks, so there may be some challenges along the way. We kindly ask that you inform us ahead of time so we can notify the guides and make any necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable experience.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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24 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Siro was superb—personable, very knowledgeable, patient, flexible, super pleasant and a joy to learn from.
Andrew
May 23, 2022
Our guide, Valerie, was fantastic! She was incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic, friendly and flexible! She did s phenomenal job!
The description of the tour led us to believe we would be spending time going into artist shops or studios and that we would get a bit more of a feel of the craftsmen. This was not our Guide’s fault - in reading over the description of the tour she covered the places listed and the vegetable market, I think maybe the tour just needs to be a bit longer to include the craftsmen as described in your materials. Our guide was very in top of things but I think, perhaps, it’s a lot to get done with the extra time needed to show vaccine cards and do security checks at the churches. Our guide was very professional and thorough and she managed the time well, I just think the tour needs to be 3 hours. Valerie was wonderful!
Julia
Oct 31, 2021
Diane was a wonderful guide! She was so knowledgeable and made everything interesting. We had a lovely morning with her, and would recommend her highly.
Tracy
Jul 18, 2019
