San Frediano

The basics

Pass beneath the medieval Porta San Frediano to enter the historic residential neighborhood of San Frediano. Today, this area is a mix of culture, cuisine, and art—which gives it a cosmopolitan feel without detracting from the authenticity of the area’s artisan shops and long-time residents. Enjoy both the culture and culinary prowess of San Frediano by joining a walking tour that explores this neighborhood’s traditional crafts and vibrant food scene. Many tours of San Frediano and the Oltrarno include stops in the area’s main attractions paired with food or wine tastings—often timed for late in the day so you can catch the sunset over Florence.

Things to know before you go

• Walking tours of San Frediano take place primarily outdoors, so wear sunscreen and a hat in summer.
• Choose comfortable shoes to explore this neighborhood on foot, which requires a considerable amount of walking.
• Modest attire that covers knees and shoulders is required to enter the Church of San Frediano in Cestello.
• Some sights and shops in San Frediano are not wheelchair-accessible, and much of the neighborhood is paved with cobblestones and has no sidewalks.

How to get there

San Frediano is located in the Oltrarno area of Florence, just across the Arno River from the Uffizi Gallery. Reach this historic neighborhood by walking across the famous Ponte Vecchio.

When to get there

Florence is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, and even historically quieter neighborhoods like San Frediano can be crowded in the summer. Visit in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild but the streets are less overrun.

The Church of San Frediano in Cestello

The dome and bell tower of San Frediano in Cestello soars above the rooftops in Oltrarno, and it’s one of the most striking elements of the skyline from the Arno River. The most important historic attraction in the San Frediano neighborhood—this baroque church was built in the late 1600s on the site of an older Carmelite convent. The interior is decorated with frescoes and statuary from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a smattering of earlier paintings.