Tower of San Niccolò, Medieval tower and city gate in Oltrarno district, Florence, Italy.

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.

Built in 1324 during the construction of Florence's last city wall, the gate is attributed by some scholars to Orcagna. Unlike the other gates, it was never lowered in the 16th century, since the hill of San Miniato shielded it from artillery fire. Its battlements date from 19th-century restoration, and between 1890 and 1935 a stop of the Chianti tramway stood beside it.

The name comes from the adjacent San Niccolò quarter in eastern Oltrarno. Just above the gate arch is a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas of Bari, patrons of the city and the district. Two aedicules on the countryside side once held statues of two lions, while the coats of arms attached to the tower are those of the Florentine Republic.

The tower stands isolated in Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, at the foot of the Rampe del Poggi, the stairways Giuseppe Poggi designed to reach Piazzale Michelangelo. The climb to the top is 160 steps, so wear sturdy shoes and allow time for the ascent. The hill of San Miniato shields the gate, which is why it kept its full height.

On the rear side, three large arches open one per floor, corresponding to the rooms used by the guard soldiers. Just above the gate arch is a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas of Bari, patrons of the city and the district.