Villa Vogel  Park in Florence along Via Pisana

Beyond UNESCO: Florence along Via Pisana

Discover the parks of district 4 of Florence.

Beyond the historic centre, Florence offers many other places to discover and visit, allowing the most popular sites to breathe. Leaving the San Frediano gate behind, you immediately enter the renowned Via Pisana, the artery of District 4, which follows an ancient route from the Etruscan era, which from Pisa crossed the Apennines to reach the coasts of the Adriatic.
In Florence, the road began between Borgo San Jacopo and Borgo San Frediano, then heading towards Pignone, a district immediately after the Porta, once the ancient Borgo dei Navicelli, with its small port from which the boats left and towards the Port of Livorno. The economic development of this district grew greatly in the 19th century thanks to the Gasometer, still visible today, and the first large Florentine factory, the Iron Foundry, which today is the famous Nuova Pignone located in district 5.
Along the ancient Via Pisana, often frequented by pilgrims, various structures, the spedali, arose to offer shelter and assistance to travellers: the ancient hostels!

The Limonaia of Villa StrozziAn obligatory stop, along Via Pisana, is Villa Strozzi, the Limonaia and its large grove (Boschetto). Villa Strozzi is a sumptuous historic residence built in the 16th century by the Strozzi family, one of the most influential Florentine families of the time. You will find it at the top of an unexpected hill surrounded by greenery. Above all, its Limonaia (lemon house) is famous, originally designed to house and protect lemon trees during the winter months, and today used for cultural events, art exhibitions, concerts and other events.

Surrounding the villa and the lemon grove is the Boschetto, an urban forest surrounded by nature. Here, one can enjoy tranquillity and relaxation far away (but very close!) from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Boschetto offers walking paths and open spaces ideal for walks, picnics, and outdoor activities. Respecting its green spaces is essential!

Isolotto, Villa Vogel and the Catwalk. Continuing along Via Pisana, you will come across the areas of Legnaia, meaning woodshed: it takes its name from the piles of wood collected in this area. In addition to the rich availability of wood, the area also produced large quantities of vegetables, particularly cabbage! And then there is Soffiano, a quiet residential neighbourhood. Moving towards the Arno, however, you enter the Isolotto district, where you can walk in the Villa Vogel Park!. At this point, you only need to cross the famous Isolotto bridge, "the catwalk", which directly connects this neighbourhood to the huge Cascine Park in Florence. 160 hectares of Florentine greenery along the Arno are where you can find peace.

How to reach District 4 in Florence

District 4 is located in the southwest of Florence! It is well connected by tramway and is the gateway to the municipalities of Scandicci, Lastra a Signa and Signa!

Photo credits: https://ambiente.comune.fi.it/