San Niccolò Tower

Monuments

A 360-degree view and a whole new side of Florence

Florence holds surprises even for those who think they have seen and done it all!
One of these surprises is the majestic Torre diSan Niccolò, in Piazza Poggi, built in 1324 as a defense tower for the Oltrarno district and recently renovated and opened to the public.

The door is one of the most important elements to understand the city's history, given its place among the city walls built between the 13th and 14th centuries, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio to better protect the city. The new circle of walls was more solid and with new gates, including that of San Niccolò.

When Florence became capital of a newly united Italy (1865 - 1871), Arnolfo di Cambio's walls were destroyed to make room for new residents.

San Niccolò Tower and the Duomo - Credit: Richard Cassan

Torre di San Niccolò, which remained isolated after the destruction of the walls, is today one of the surviving historical testimonies of this piece of city history, as well as being the only tower in Florence that has not been "scapitozzata" ("decapitated"), shortened with respect to its original dimensions. At the end of its 160 steps it retains a fascinating walkway, now secured, from which visitors can enjoy a 360 degree view of Florence, with one-of-a-kind vistas.

The Tower is open in the summer months and access is allowed only with guided tours.

Accessibility information: feelflorence.it