As we wander through the alleys and squares of the historic center, among the most famous monuments that every visitor admires, strange creatures imprisoned in bronze and stone manifest and come to life… Along with stories of ghosts, once beautiful and equally unfortunate Florentine ladies… An alternative walk in the heart of Florence. A guided tour for families and children, preferably those who are a bit older!
Tales of Ferocious Beasts, Ghosts, and ‘Death Watch’ Towers in the Shadow of the Cathedral Dome
A ghost roams the Piazza del Duomo; next to the famous Giotto’s bell tower, unsuspecting tourists armed with their cameras pass daily through what was once known as ‘via della morta’ (the street of the dead). On the other side, between the Baptistery and the Loggia del Bigallo, we walk above the tombs of the cemetery: the ‘Guardamorto’ tower was torn down by the Ghibellines, but it was right there, watching over ‘the dead.’ We admire the marbles of Santa Maria del Fiore, their whiteness restored thanks to recent renovations, and everything seems made of rectangles, flowing Gothic frames, and twisted columns… But there are also lions with gaping jaws, which in the distant past populated the nightmares of some Florentine!
Telling of Palaces and Windows
The palaces of Florence are recognizable by their massive bulk; they almost seem like fortresses. The rusticated stone at the ground floor, the stone blocks at the corners. People often stop to admire the noble coats of arms, iron rings, and lanterns. But behind that apparent calm lie strange mysteries. You will discover that one of the Florentine palaces has a window that is always open… but another one has one that is always closed!
There will be no shortage of mischievous little devils during this guided tour for children in Florence
At the crossroads of the streets, tabernacles with religious images were placed to protect those sinister places from negative influences. Indeed, there were those who said that the devil lurked at the junctions of the roads. Walking among the most luxurious streets of Florence, amid the palaces of the Renaissance upper bourgeoisie, you will find a little bronze devil at a street corner, mocking passersby with a smug demeanor… Who put it there and for what reason?
These are just a few of the mysteries and anecdotes you will discover during this unusual guided tour of Florence!