Oltrarno means "on the other side of the Arno" and used to be an expression of disappoval
for the southern river bank. Historically, the area used to be considered unattractive as it was too far away from the magnificent palazzi of the city center. In 1550 the Medici moved their private residence to Oltrarno, ruling over Tuscany from there for the next three hundred years. Along with the Medici more and more wealthy Florentines arrived in Oltrarno. By the late 16th and 17th century there were numerous magnificent palazzi along the Via Maggio and the Square of Santo Spirito.

Today Oltrarno when compared to the other neighborhoods, is rather quiet and quaint as it is home to numerous artists antiquestores and ateliers. You should not miss wandering off the beaten track and venturing into the smaller side strees. You will discover the Florence of times past, with small grocery stores, restaurants and workshops where you can sneak a peak. Interesting sights are the Palazzo PItti, the Boboli Gardens and Santo Spirito- Brunelleschi's last church- with its simple facade.