City wall of Florence, Medieval fortification walls in Florence, Italy
The City wall of Florence is a large fortified circuit surrounding the medieval center, built from stone walls studded with towers and decorated gates at regular intervals. Various sections remain visible today, particularly in the Oltrarno district and around the southern approaches to the city.
Construction of the walls began in the late 13th century and reflected Florence's rapid growth during that era. The project took decades to complete and had to be expanded multiple times as the city continued to expand.
The city gates once displayed religious frescoes showing the Madonna and saints at their entrances. These decorated passages reflected the spiritual importance that Florentines placed on their connection to the sacred as they passed through the city.
The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when crowds are lighter. Wear good walking shoes as the paths are uneven in places and some sections involve climbing stairs.
The wall system included a moat fed by a nearby river, which significantly strengthened the defense. This water-based protection made the fortification one of the most advanced defensive setups of its era.
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