Florence’s Tower, Fortresses & Medieval Gates Tours
The towers, fortresses and medieval gates that populate Florence’s historical cityscape welcome visitors to explore the landmarks during the summer months. Visitors will deepen their understanding of Florence by the tours. The wide array of locations vary in historical significance, size and role today, allowing guests to view the city’s history and historic buildings from a new perspective.
The Porta Romana borders the Giardino di Boboli, south of the city center. The gate was built in the 1330s and was used to surveillance the streets. The structure, with its original iron clad doors, is no longer used for surveillance for any suspicious activity, but is a window to the Boboli Garden and the historical city. Porta Romana is also decorated with a 13th century fresco.
Forte di Belvedere is greatly relevant in Florence’s history with an unexpected modern foray into pop culture. The fortress was constructed in the 1590s for defense of the city, but now it provides just a beautiful view of the city. In 2014, Kim Kardashian married Kanye West there in a private ceremony.
The military site, Baluardo San Giorgio, is also on the expansive list of visits this summer. The building sits amidst an olive grove on the outskirts of the city just below Forte Belvedere. It was constructed to protect Florence against the military seige of 1530 by the troops of Charles V, King of Spain and the Holy Roman Emperor.
The walls protected the city of Florence in the Middle Ages, but now just serve as a reminder of the city’s history. Tours on foot and by bike will allow visitors to see a city gate once part of the walls, including around Porta San Gallo, built in 1285.
Guided tours the last week of August/first week of September
Forte di Belvedere
Dates: Saturday, August 26; Friday, September 1 and Saturday, Sept. 2
Hours: 5 pm and 6:30 pm
Cost: €2,50 (residents) €5 (non-residents)
Porta Romana
Dates: Friday, September 1, Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3
Hours: Tours are scheduled for every 30 minutes from 4 – 7 pm
Cost: €6
Baluardo San Giorgio
Date: Saturday, September 2
Hours: Tours are scheduled every 30 minutes between 4 – 7 pm
Cost: €6
Walks around Porta San Gallo
Date: Sunday, September 3
Hours: Tours begin every hour from 10 – 1 pm
Cost: €2,50 (residents), €5 (non-residents)
Tickets, Reservations and Questions. Prices vary for each location and are listed above. To make reservations and learn more about the guided tours, message info@musefirenze.it. (Camila Fowler)
