Oltrarno, Florence

Oltrarno is the part of Florence beyond the Arno, and this district includes a substantial piece of the city’s historic centre. The name itself means “beyond the Arno,” while the Italian tradition calls it Di là d’Arno. [narrativeExtractEn; narrativeExtractIt] As you take in the streets around you, the district’s identity comes through its mixture of major monuments and working craft traditions.

Santo Spirito, Palazzo Pitti, the Belvedere, and Piazzale Michelangelo all belong to Oltrarno, alongside workshops associated with artisans, jewellers, and restorers. [articleExtractEn; articleExtractIt] Its story also includes determined local resistance. In autumn 2012, residents lost access to the Nidiaci garden and playroom after the property was sold and enclosed; volunteers now keep the remaining garden available.

[articleExtractEn] The proposed underground car park beneath Piazza del Carmine prompted the NoScav movement, whose banners showed a stylised Carmine church. Strong opposition led the municipality to suspend that project temporarily. [articleExtractEn] Oltrarno is therefore not simply a collection of celebrated sights.

It is a living district where pressure from wealthier short-term residents, tourism, and entertainment has met organised defence of gardens, services, schools, streets, and neighbourhood life. [articleExtractEn; articleExtractIt]