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There are three quarters along Oltrarno in which you can still discover gifted artisans hidden away on narrow streets or in between the many tiny piazzas that dot the map.

When we think of Florence, most of the people think of the gorgeous Duomo, the art filled Ufizzi and the Ponte Vecchio. However, there is another beautiful side to Florence and that is Oltrarno. This calmer, creative side of the Arno offers an equally wonderful, yet unoccupied escape from all the tourists on the northern side of the river.

Discover gifted artisans hidden away on narrow streets

Visiting the Oltrarno workshops, and hopefully buying from the craftsman, is one way to recognize the centuries of shared talent handed down from artisan to artisan. Even the untrained eye can see the passion that is put into every single piece and the originality of their one of kind designs. There are three quarters along the Oltrarno in which you can still discover gifted artisans hidden away on narrow streets or in between the many tiny piazzas that dot the map.

These areas include San Frediano to the far west, Santo Spirito in the middle, and San Niccolo to the east. Wandering into the workshops in these areas is much easier and more inviting than one may think. Discovering and visiting on your own is probably the best way to go, but for the more organized visitor, there are tour guides available to help lead the way to local artisan workshops. If you choose to discover the artisan workshops without a guide, a nice beginning is to cross Ponte A. Vespucci and just start strolling the streets in various directions.

During this art walk you will see the works of many creative artisans: traditional workshops, contemporary art galleries, upscale antique and vintage shops, couture houses, and fine Italian bars and trattorias.

San Frediano Quarter

This quarter is for those who like to wander the Olrarno with eyes wide open. If you stroll the vias off Piazza Carmine you will find authentic artisans, but you have to scout them out. The artisans in this quarter don’t necessarily have signs posted or even convenient hours. Upon entering a workshop, don’t be surprised to see aging artisans working and training their young family members. These new and aspiring artisans will often stop and share their designs and speak humbly of their talent. The neighborhood is quite spread out and somewhat quiet, which in this tourist city often end up being a very good thing.

Santo Spirito Quarter

This quarter lends itself to those who like diversity, not only in people, but also in art. Here you will find groups of artisans crammed together on the block of Via Serragli. Within steps of one another, you can visit a contemporary artist who gives new life to antique pieces and a guilder who makes magnificently carved frames. Continue down the street and you’ll see a restorer who can turn something old into something even older, a vintage shop offering all the newest retro-trends, and a collection of antiques for lovers of all things Asian. Don’t miss the surrounding streets between Chiesa S. Spirito and Piazza Pitti.

San Niccolo Quarter

This quarter is a little bit of San Frediano and a little bit of Santo Spirito combined. Well hidden and often crowded with locals, this area is famous for artisans who specialize in handmade paper, fragrances, textiles, as well as food and wine. It’s the smallest of the three quarters, but probably the biggest on style and charm.

For more information visit

• Firenze Oltrarno