Porta San Frediano (San Frediano Gate), Florence
Take a moment to admire one of Florence鈥檚 best-preserved medieval gates, standing at the western end of Borgo San Frediano鈥攖he main artery of the neighborhood that still pulses with local life. Completed in 1332, this gateway offers a vivid reminder of the city鈥檚 fortified past and is among the finest remnants of the 14th-century walls that once enclosed Florence.
Its origins go back even further, to the 12th century, when it served as an important entry point for merchants and travelers arriving from Pisa and the western reaches of Tuscany. The gate is a sturdy example of medieval military design, featuring a grand central arch for carts and horses, flanked by two smaller arches for foot traffic. Above these an overhanging structure with openings was used for dropping stones or boiling liquids on would-be invaders.
As the city grew and the walls were gradually dismantled in the 1800s, many of Florence's old gates were torn down鈥攂ut not this one. Still bearings its original heavy wooden doors, it stands as quiet witnesses to centuries of change
Tip: If all this walking has worked up an appetite, reward yourself with a stop at Trattoria Sabatino鈥攁 no-frills local favorite just outside the gate on Via Pisana 2R. Since 1956, this bright, welcoming dining hall has served affordable, soul-satisfying Tuscan dishes to generations of Florentines. The menu is short, the prices modest, and the atmosphere refreshingly genuine. Perfect for ending a stroll through the Oltrarno with a plate of something comforting and real.
Its origins go back even further, to the 12th century, when it served as an important entry point for merchants and travelers arriving from Pisa and the western reaches of Tuscany. The gate is a sturdy example of medieval military design, featuring a grand central arch for carts and horses, flanked by two smaller arches for foot traffic. Above these an overhanging structure with openings was used for dropping stones or boiling liquids on would-be invaders.
As the city grew and the walls were gradually dismantled in the 1800s, many of Florence's old gates were torn down鈥攂ut not this one. Still bearings its original heavy wooden doors, it stands as quiet witnesses to centuries of change
Tip: If all this walking has worked up an appetite, reward yourself with a stop at Trattoria Sabatino鈥攁 no-frills local favorite just outside the gate on Via Pisana 2R. Since 1956, this bright, welcoming dining hall has served affordable, soul-satisfying Tuscan dishes to generations of Florentines. The menu is short, the prices modest, and the atmosphere refreshingly genuine. Perfect for ending a stroll through the Oltrarno with a plate of something comforting and real.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Porta San Frediano (San Frediano Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Porta San Frediano (San Frediano Gate)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
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