About this experience
Nowadays, the Santa Croce Quarter, crowned by the gleaming Franciscan church, is considered a popular meeting place for Florentines, hosting urban concerts, markets, and festivals. However, we will go beyond guidebook articles and take a closer look at Santa Croce from unique perspectives. You will discover that the quarter has a dual character and a multifaceted history, revealed to you as you stroll through its atmospheric streets untouched by the footsteps of tourists.
What to Expect
The Untouristic History of Santa Croce
It is no secret that in past centuries, knightly tournaments, solemn processions, and games of 'Florentine football' took place in the Santa Croce area. But what about the 'small' history of the quarter that guidebooks won't tell you about? You will learn about the times when medieval Santa Croce was a marshy outskirts of the city, filled with shelters for the poor and orphans, hospitals for lepers, tannery huts, and the workshops of tanners. I will tell you how Santa Croce lived and developed, and why the Franciscans chose this place to build their grand church.
Street Details of the Quarter
Our walk will begin at the Santa Croce square, where we will explore the world's largest Franciscan basilica before venturing off the beaten tourist paths! Winding through the narrow streets of Santa Croce, you will decipher inconspicuous plaques and half-erased mysterious emblems, discover notes on historical floods, learn the grim history of 'Street of the Dissatisfied' where the city hangman lived, observe intriguing small windows on house facades, and locate one of the city's first road signs. Along the way, we can peek into the second most significant market in Florence, frequented mostly by locals, and taste one of the juiciest and most authentic traditional 'street food' sandwiches! If possible, we will visit a couple of ancient artisan workshops and the only place in Florence where you can see the foundation of an ancient Roman amphitheater. By noting interesting urban details and learning their associated stories, you will discover Florence from a new perspective!
The Art of Leathercraft
If you wish, we can visit the historical leather workshop and school for leathercraft (Scuola del cuoio), established in Santa Croce on the site of a former shelter where orphans were taught trades to help them sustain themselves. You will tour the extensive workshop, steeped in history and artistry, and witness the production of bags, accessories, jewelry boxes, and clothing made from fine Italian leather. Additionally, the school offers courses for those interested in mastering the craft of leatherworking.
Organizational Details
- Entrance to the leather workshop is free of charge
- No museum or cathedral visits are scheduled during the tour
