Events

Summer 2024. Towers, gates, and fortresses of Florence.

dal 25 May 24
al 30 September 24
The towers, gates, and fortresses of Florence have countless stories to tell: stories of war and peace, stories of toil and dreams, stories of courage and fear. For hundreds of years, they have protected Florence, a World Heritage site, preserving its wonders and reminding us that it is sometimes worth lifting our eyes to contemplate the sky.
The towers, gates, and fortresses of Florence have countless stories to tell: stories of war and peace, stories of struggle and dreams, stories of courage and fear. For hundreds of years, they have protected Florence, a World Heritage site, and safeguarded its wonders. With the beginning of the summer season, the Municipality of Florence and MUS.E propose a rich program of visits to the city’s most important architectural landmarks, offering the public the opportunity to enjoy new perspectives on the city and to delve into Florence’s history in its urban development.

The program starts on the weekend of May 25th and 26th with Porta San Frediano, in collaboration with the Fondazione Angeli del Bello, which will be open for visits from June 1st to September 30th, on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 PM to 8 PM. During the same period, from June 1st to September 30th, the Torre della Zecca and Torre San Niccolò will also be open for visits, following recent restoration work (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 PM to 8 PM, visits every half hour).

Additionally, visits to the Fortezza di San Giovanni, also known as Fortezza da Basso, in collaboration with Firenze Fiera, are scheduled for July 27th, August 24th, and September 14th at 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM.

From the late 12th century to the early decades of the 14th century, during a period of significant development, Florence saw the construction of an imposing defensive wall to protect and defend its urban fabric, with a perimeter of over 8 kilometers marked by a series of gates, towers, and posterns. Renewed in the modern era – with notable constructions like the Forte Belvedere and Fortezza da Basso – the medieval defensive system was largely dismantled in the 1860s, yet preserving a significant section of the wall in Oltrarno, along with the gates and towers. In recent years, these have been the focus of a gradual enhancement plan by the municipal administration. This is indeed a crucial chapter in the city’s history; it is no coincidence that the original Arnolfo’s layout ideally delineates the boundaries of Florence’s historic center as a World Heritage site, with recent expansion towards San Miniato.

All proposals are developed in line with UNESCO principles and the Agenda 2030, aiming to promote more effective enjoyment of Florence’s cultural and landscape heritage for both occasional visitors and the local community.

For Porta San Frediano, there is a valuable collaboration with Fondazione Angeli del Bello, whose volunteers will provide the public with insights into the city’s preservation efforts and its beauties.

All visits to gates, towers, and fortresses are accessible to all ages from 8 years old; they cost €6 each and are free for holders of the Card del Fiorentino.

From June 1st to September 30th

on Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 PM to 8 PM. Visits every 30 minutes, admission ticket €6.

From June 1st to September 30th

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 5 PM to 8 PM. Visits every 30 minutes, admission ticket €6.

From June 1st to September 30th

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 5 PM to 8 PM. Visits every 30 minutes, admission ticket €6.

Saturday, July 27th, Saturday, August 24th, Saturday, September 14th at 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM.

Visites toutes les heures, billet d’entrée à 8€.

From Tuesday, June 25th, open daily for free from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Guided tours every Friday and Sunday at 5 PM and 6:30 PM at a cost of €5 (full price) and €2.50 (reduced price)