Florence’s towers, gates, and fortresses: a heritage of stories and memory
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Summer Openings: Forte Belvedere, Gates, and City Walls of Florence

Summer 2025: Openings and Guided Tours of Florence’s Historic Walls

The towers, gates, and fortresses of Florence (8 km of perimeter) have countless stories to tell—stories of war and peace, of struggle and dreams, of courage and fear. For centuries, they have protected Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its wonders.

Forte di Belvedere: Summer Opening

Forte di Belvedere, the late 16th-century masterpiece by Bernardo Buontalenti and one of Florence’s most extraordinary, scenic, and symbolic landmarks, reopened on June 24, 2025. Thanks to a cultural enhancement project by the MUS.E Foundation, it will remain open until October 15—not only as a venue for temporary exhibitions, but as a living space that welcomes, inspires, and tells the ongoing story of Florence.

Forte in Musica & Talks – Program

A key highlight of summer 2025 is the new “Forte in Musica” series, featuring live concerts every Wednesday at sunset. The program kicks off on July 2 with Lakecia Benjamin, a charismatic artist who blends jazz, soul, and African roots. 
Alongside music, Forte di Belvedere will also host a series of talks every Thursday at sunset, titled The Relevance of Beauty, enriching the cultural experience even further. 

Guided Tours at Forte di Belvedere

Guided tours and creative workshops will play a central role, offering multidisciplinary experiences that connect the Forte’s history with Florence’s architectural and landscape heritage.

Activities run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
  • Fridays at 5 PM: City Forms, for families with children aged 6–11, exploring and reimagining urban layouts and architectural profiles.
  • Saturdays at 5 PM: My Special Place, encouraging personal connections between iconic and emotional places in Florence.
  • Sundays at 5 PM: The Art of Seeing, fostering personal perspectives on the city through photography and sketching.

Opening Hours & Tickets for Forte di Belvedere

Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 8 PM (last entry at 7 PM).
Tickets are available for both the museum and the gardens of Forte di Belvedere.
  • Free admission for residents of the Metropolitan City of Florence.
  • Standard ticket: €5 | Reduced: €3
  • Free access to the café and terrace events for all visitors via a dedicated entrance.

Gates, Towers, and Walls – Guided Tours

The Florence Civic Museums and the MUS.E Foundation have created a schedule of guided tours to the city's most iconic architectural landmarks:
  • Porta San Frediano: Open to the public until July 31, from 5 PM to 8 PM (tours every 30 minutes).
  • Torre di San Niccolò: Visit the "queen" of Florence's towers, fully restored in 2024. Open from August 1 to 31, from 5 PM to 8 PM (tours every 45 minutes).
  • Porta Romana: Open for visits from September 1 to 30, from 4 PM to 7 PM (tours every 30 minutes).
  • Baluardo di San Giorgio: Open July 11 and August 8 from 5 PM to 8 PM, and September 12 from 4 PM to 7 PM.
  • Fortezza di San Giovanni (Fortezza da Basso), in collaboration with Firenze Fiera: open July 25, August 29, and September 26, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
All visits are open to participants aged 8 and up.

Cost: €6 per person | Free with the Card del Fiorentino.