San Niccolò Gate

The San Niccolò Gate, in Florence

The San Niccolò Gate is a high medieval tower of the fourteenth century, a rare vestige of the old ramparts of Florence. The Florence audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic gate, on the left bank of the Arno, at the foot of the Piazzale Michelangelo.

The tower of the old medieval ramparts

A true vestige of the fourteenth century, the San Niccolò Gate constituted an entrance into the town in the time of the Middle Ages. Built in 1324, according to the models attributed to the great architect Arnolfo di Cambio, it is one of the only witnesses still visible of the fortified wall that girded Florence at that time. This wall was largely destroyed in the nineteenth century, during the restructuring of the town. Unlike the other gates of Florence, whose towers were lowered, the San Niccolò Gate has kept all its original height, proudly raising its high tower near the left bank of the Arno, at the foot of the hill that leads to the Piazzale Michelangelo. Imposing and well preserved, it gives an idea of the appearance of the medieval fortifications of the town. A precious witness of the defensive past of Florence, the San Niccolò Gate is an interesting stop of the discovery of the town.

What to see

You admire the high medieval tower built in 1324 according to the models of Arnolfo di Cambio, a former entrance of the town and a rare vestige of the fortified wall destroyed in the nineteenth century, which has kept all its original height, unlike the other gates, near the left bank of the Arno. The San Niccolò Gate is a precious vestige of Florence. It is a stop to be discovered, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The San Niccolò Gate lies on the left bank of the Arno, at the foot of the hill of the Piazzale Michelangelo, in Florence, reachable on foot. You admire it freely from the public space; the climb of the tower, when it is offered, follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

What is particular about the San Niccolò Gate in Florence?

Built in 1324 according to the models of Arnolfo di Cambio, it is a rare vestige of the old fortified wall of Florence, largely destroyed in the nineteenth century; unlike the other gates, it has kept all its original height.

Where is the San Niccolò Gate of Florence?

On the left bank of the Arno, at the foot of the hill of the Piazzale Michelangelo, in Florence, in Italy.