Tower of San Niccolò

The Tower of San Niccolò is a medieval tower and city gate in the Oltrarno district featuring thick stone walls and distinct architectural details on its northern and southern facades. The structure retains its original form and provides a clear example of medieval fortification design.

The tower was built in 1324 as part of Florence's defensive walls and maintained its original height while other city gates were reduced during the 1529 siege. This distinction makes it one of the few medieval fortifications in the city to retain its complete original form.

The tower displays 14th-century frescoes depicting John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas, offering visitors a window into the religious world of medieval Florence. These painted images remain visible today and speak to the spiritual importance of this location in the city's past.

Reaching the observation platform requires climbing about 160 steps, which demands a reasonable level of fitness. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and visitors should allow sufficient time for the ascent, particularly on warm days or if they wish to linger and enjoy the views from above.

Inside, two military watch rooms and a small rectangular chamber used as a toilet for the guard station are still visible today. These functional details reveal how soldiers actually lived and worked within medieval fortifications.