The Oltrarno
– Beyond the Arno –
The Oltrano or literally : “Beyond the Arno”. Many who come to visit Florence may have walked around the splendor of the Duomo, through the majesty of via Calzaiuoli and into the heart stopping magnificence of the Piazza Signoria.
They might have waited in line to see the treasures of the Uffizi and cross the magical Ponte Vecchio. Some may have even continued into the Pitti Palace then stop there and turned around thinking to themselves that they saw what they came to see: “ Firenze”.
Little do they know that on this side of the river is one of Florence’s greatest treasures. The Oltrarno.
The word “beyond” suits it because it is where the few real wanderers go. This tranquil side of town where music is sang in the Piazza from the guitars of nomadic minstrels, where wine is tasted in good company, where the trattoria’s try to out do each other. Where the market produce is fresh and the vendor knows your name, your choice of fruits or vegetables and has a witty remark up his sleeve so you walk away with a smile. It’s not surprising that the locals come out to this side of town. The Oltrano is filled with stores that still practice impeccable Florentine craftsmanship.
Techniques handed down generation to generation. Woodcarvers, bronze sculptors, jewelers, shoemakers, painters, wine makers, butchers and bakers. It is here most foreigners decide to stay in Florence; it is here where they fall in love.
