Enchanting Oltrarno: The Hidden Gem of Florence

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh/ay too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [voh-reh-ee veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [voh-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-noh mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [voh-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezzo
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsoh]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
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• 1Uno
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• 2Due
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• 3Tre
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• 4Quattro
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• 5Cinque
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• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
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• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (nella mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (nel-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pair)]

The Oltrarno district, meaning 'beyond the Arno', has its roots in the Roman era when it was primarily agricultural land. This neighborhood began to flourish in the Middle Ages as Florence expanded beyond the Arno River, becoming a vibrant area for artisans and craftsmen, especially renowned for its workshops and guilds.

By the 15th century, Oltrarno became the heart of Florence's artisan community, famous for its skilled woodworkers, goldsmiths, and textile producers. The area was closely associated with the Medici family, who supported local artisans and commissioned numerous works, contributing to the Renaissance's artistic boom.

In the late 16th century, the Medici family established the Pitti Palace in Oltrarno, which became a symbol of their power and influence. The palace was expanded and transformed into a grand residence, showcasing extensive gardens (Boboli Gardens) and numerous artworks that reflect the family's wealth and artistic patronage.

During the Renaissance, Oltrarno became a cultural hub, hosting numerous artists and intellectuals. The Santo Spirito church, built in the late 15th century, became a key site for the movement, housing works by renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Brunelleschi, enriching the area's cultural landscape.

In the 20th century, Oltrarno faced challenges due to urbanization and the decline of traditional crafts. However, revitalization efforts began in the late 20th century, focusing on preserving its artisan heritage and promoting local crafts, which has led to a resurgence of interest in the neighborhood as a center for handmade goods and cultural activities.

Oltrarno is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Florence. If you are coming from the historic center, cross the Ponte Vecchio, which connects the two areas. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 11 or 36 from Santa Maria Novella train station, which will drop you at various points in Oltrarno. Taxis are also available and provide a convenient way to reach your destination.

Oltrarno is a compact neighborhood best explored on foot. Many of its attractions, such as the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, are within walking distance. While there are no trains or extensive bus services within Oltrarno, local buses connect to other parts of the city. Biking is also an option, with rental services available, though be cautious of traffic in busy areas.

Oltrarno is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially near popular attractions like the Ponte Vecchio. Avoid poorly lit streets at night, particularly around the Santo Spirito area, which can be less populated.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova, located a short distance from Oltrarno. It is advisable to carry a list of emergency contacts, including your embassy's information, and have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; don't wear overly casual attire when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs, including dress codes in religious sites; don't take photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket before boarding; don't block the doors when boarding or alighting. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno'; don't assume everyone speaks English. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and dishes at trattorias; don't rush your meal; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Oltrarno like a local, visit artisan workshops where you can see craftsmen at work, from leather goods to handmade jewelry. Explore the less touristy streets in the San Frediano area for authentic dining experiences. Attend a local festival if your visit coincides with one, such as the annual Festa di San Giovanni. Don't miss the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo, especially at sunset.