
Porta San Frediano (San Frediano Gate), Florence
Take a moment to admire one of Florence’s best-preserved medieval gates, standing at the western end of Borgo San Frediano—the main artery of the neighborhood that still pulses with local life. Completed in 1332, this gateway offers a vivid reminder of the city’s 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—but 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—a 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—but 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—a 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 "911: 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.
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
Create Your Own Walk in Florence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dante's Florence Walking Tour
Dante Alighieri was arguably the greatest – albeit also most controversial – of Italy's poets. After having served as one of the six priors governing Florence, his political activities – including the banishing of several rivals – led to his own banishment, upon which he wrote his masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy”, as a wanderer, seeking protection for his family in one town after... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Florence Food Tour
Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here – besides the abundant variety – is not having to spend a lot of money for it.
In general, the “osterias” and the eateries nestled in Sant’Ambrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the “osterias” and the eateries nestled in Sant’Ambrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Florence Introduction Walking Tour
Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Laid out like a Roman military camp, its main roads intersected at what is now the Republic Square. Originally named Fluentia, referencing its location between two rivers, the city later adopted the name Florentia, meaning “flowering” or “flourishing”.
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Arno South Bank Walking Tour
The area south of the Arno River—known as Oltrarno, or “Beyond the Arno”—offers a quieter, more intimate side of Florence, but one that’s no less captivating. It’s here that you’ll find the grand Pitti Palace, home to a painting collection rivaled only by the Uffizi Gallery, and the expansive Boboli Gardens, once the private domain of the Medici and later, the royal family. As one of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Duomo Walking Tour
Right in the heart of historic Florence lies the Duomo district—the city's religious and civic core, and one of the most remarkable places in all of Italy. Between the Duomo and Signoria squares, Florence unfolds in layers of art, history, and architectural brilliance, offering a never-ending stream of things to see, do, and admire.
At the center of it all stands the Florence Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
At the center of it all stands the Florence Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Though born in the small Tuscan town of Caprese, Michelangelo spent over two decades of his life in Florence—the heart of the Renaissance. It was here that he grew up, was educated, and began shaping his artistic voice, eventually creating some of the most iconic masterpieces the city has ever known.
His larger-than-life work—“David”—didn’t just reshape the image of biblical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
His larger-than-life work—“David”—didn’t just reshape the image of biblical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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