Climbing the steps of San Niccolò Tower in Florence allows to enjoy a perspective of the city closer than the one from Piazzale Michelangelo. My favorite moment is in the evening, when the last rays of sunlight blend with the rooftops of Florence. San Niccolò Tower in Florence was opened to the public for the first time in 2011.
After the restoration, costed 300.000 euros, now Florence has one more beautiful monument one can visit. San Niccolò Tower in Florence was part of the ancient walls of the town, from here began the circle south, past Ponte San Niccolò, and it was then the defense point east of the Arno, with the Torre della Zecca (the Mint Tower) on the other side. The name comes from the district of San Niccolò, where it stands. The tower dates back to 1324, and it was one of the latest that was built. Unlike all the other doors of the city, Torre San Niccolò was not lowered in the 16th century, because the hill of San Miniato offered a natural protection from the blows of the artillery. Actually all the other doors and towers of the walls were lowered, or “beheaded”, as we say in Florence.
It is therefore the only door that remains at its original Florentine height, even though the merlons are not the original ones, because they were re-done in the 19th century. The tower has 3 levels, every level corresponds to a big arch, where the soldiers on a guard used to stay. On the first arch there is a fresco painting of the Virgin Mary with the Child, St. John the Baptist and St. Nicholas (both patrons of Florence and the district).
From June to September there are guided tours of San Niccolò Tower in Florence, organized by the city of Florence. The ticket costs 6 euros and can be bought directly on site. Tours will start from 4pm to 8pm, running every 30 minutes both in Italian and English.
You will see one of the brand new and marvellous views of Florence. Just one counter-indication: there is no lift, just the steps, the tower and your feet to get to the top!
Get more information about my lovely Oltrarno Tour! You can combine it with the climbing of the San Niccolò Tower in Florence, it’s on the same side of the Arno river!