Secret Florence by Bike: Itinerary of Legends and Unusual Corners
Florence is not just Brunelleschi's Dome or Ponte Vecchio. There's a city that whispers stories from the facades of its palaces, that hides portraits on its cobblestones, and that loves to amaze those who know how to look beyond the crowds.
What better way to discover it than on a bicycle? Cycling through the alleys of the city center and Oltrarno allows you to move quickly from one hidden gem to another, enjoying the breeze along the Arno. Here's a circular itinerary for an unusual and secret Florence.
Part 1: The Mysterious Heart (Piazza del Duomo)
Our tour begins in the city's nerve center, but instead of just looking up at the Cathedral, we'll search for hidden details on the ground or in the darker corners.
The Loggia del Bigallo
Right on the corner with Via de' Calzaiuoli, this elegant Gothic loggia often goes unnoticed. In the past, it was where lost or abandoned children were displayed, waiting for their parents to reclaim them.
The Duomo's "Scar" (Verrocchio's Ball)
Head to the back of the Duomo's apse. On the cobblestones, you'll notice a solitary white marble circle. It marks the exact spot where, in 1601, the gigantic gilded copper ball on top of the Dome plummeted after being struck by lightning. A 1,700 kg colossus that fell 100 meters without hitting anyone: a true miracle!
La Berta (Santa Maria Maggiore)
Cycling towards Via de' Cerretani, stop at the corner of the Santa Maria Maggiore church. Look up: you'll see a woman's head protruding from the wall. It's said to be "La Berta," petrified after cursing a man condemned to be burned at the stake.
Dante's Stone
In Piazza delle Pallottole, you'll find a plaque marking the spot where Dante used to sit on a stone, watching the cathedral being built. A "front-row seat" in history.
Part 2: Cycling Towards Science and Power
We continue south, towards Palazzo Vecchio, where the city becomes more monumental.
Palazzo dei Cartelloni
At Via Sant'Antonino 11, admire the facade covered in Latin epigraphs. It's a tribute to Galileo Galilei, commissioned by his student Vincenzo Viviani at a time when the scientist was still viewed with suspicion.
Michelangelo's Portrait
Upon arriving in Piazza della Signoria, look to the right of the Palazzo Vecchio entrance. On the stone of the facade is etched the profile of a man. Legend has it that Michelangelo sculpted it "from memory" and with his hands behind his back to silence a particularly verbose citizen.
Le Burelle
Beneath Palazzo Vecchio lie the ancient prisons and the remains of the Roman theater. An underground Florence pulsating beneath your wheels.
Part 3: Oltrarno and the "End of the Tour"
We cross the Arno (perhaps via Ponte Santa Trinita) and enter the most authentic neighborhood.
La Madonna del Puzzo (The Madonna of the Well)
At the corner of Via Toscanella and Borgo San Jacopo, look for a small terracotta statue holding its nose. It's an act of protest from the 1980s by residents against the bad smells in the street.
Clet's Studio Atelier
In the San Niccolò area, stop at the workshop of Clet Abraham, the artist who transformed street signs into works of art.
The Cursed Window
We conclude in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. Observe the last window on the right of Palazzo Grifoni: it's always slightly ajar. It's said that if it were to be closed, the palace would begin to "tremble" due to the ghost of a bride still awaiting her husband's return from war.
Practical Tips for Cyclists
Watch out for pedestrians
In the Duomo and Signoria areas, the crowds are dense, so proceed at walking pace or push your bike for a few meters.
Ready to cycle through history?
Whether you need to navigate through avenue traffic or enjoy the beauty of the city's alleys, we have the perfect bike for you. Visit us in-store for a test ride or explore our full range on the website: your new way of experiencing Florence awaits!
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