Audio guide

The Soul of the Oltrarno

Discovering Florence’s Authentic Artisan Side

The Soul of the Oltrarno

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Welcome to the Other Side

1m 15s

The Soul of the Oltrarno • Section 1 of 5

You are standing in the Oltrarno, a name that literally translates to beyond the Arno River. While most of Florence’s visitors concentrate around the towering Duomo on the opposite bank, crossing any of the city's historic bridges—like the famous Ponte Vecchio—brings you into what locals affectionately call the Diladdarno. This district serves as the authentic soul of Florence, where the pace slows down and the narrow, winding streets feel more like a living village than a museum. Historically, this area was the domain of the working class and skilled craftsmen, but it underwent a dramatic transformation during the Renaissance when the city's power shifted to this side of the water. As you begin your walk, take a deep breath and listen for the rhythmic sounds of hammers on leather and chisels on stone that still echo from the ground-floor workshops today.

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Quick answer

What does this The Soul of the Oltrarno audio guide explain?

This Mappu audio guide for The Soul of the Oltrarno highlights Welcome to the Other Side, A Palace of Rivalry and Power, and The Artisan’s Last Stand, giving travelers a concise overview before exploring Florence.

Inside this guide

01Welcome to the Other SideIn The Soul of the Oltrarno, this section highlights Welcome to the Other Side as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
02A Palace of Rivalry and PowerIn The Soul of the Oltrarno, this section highlights A Palace of Rivalry and Power as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
03The Artisan’s Last StandIn The Soul of the Oltrarno, this section highlights The Artisan’s Last Stand as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
04An Intimate Encounter with MichelangeloIn The Soul of the Oltrarno, this section highlights An Intimate Encounter with Michelangelo as a point to understand and notice during the visit.
05Wandering into the San Frediano SpiritIn The Soul of the Oltrarno, this section highlights Wandering into the San Frediano Spirit as a point to understand and notice during the visit.

Common questions

What does this free The Soul of the Oltrarno audio guide include?

It covers Welcome to the Other Side, A Palace of Rivalry and Power, The Artisan’s Last Stand, and An Intimate Encounter with Michelangelo, with practical context and details to notice during the visit.

What should I notice first at The Soul of the Oltrarno?

Start with Welcome to the Other Side. The guide then connects A Palace of Rivalry and Power, The Artisan’s Last Stand, and An Intimate Encounter with Michelangelo to the place, so you know what to look for on site.

What can I ask Mappu after this The Soul of the Oltrarno guide?

You can continue with follow-up questions such as "Why do the street numbers in the Oltrarno use different colors like red and black?", then keep the guide connected to your map and trip plan.