A Dantesque district exists in Florence. It is enclosed by Piazza della Signoria, Orsanmichele, the Tower of Castagna, the oratory of Buonomini of San Martino and Badia Fiorentina: in short, it is the medieval heart of Florence, wedged between the houses made of stone with the rising towers.

This place is somewhat magic, hidden and very cool during the summer, well known in the area but not mentioned in guide books or other itineraries. It is called Mulinaccio, (literally: bad water mill) and can be reached by taking a pleasant walk from San Vincenzo a Torri, through the beautiful countryside of the hills of Scandicci.

The territory comprises an area of hill country situated between Florence and Siena, delimited on the east by the Chianti mountain range and on the west by the valleys of the Pesa and Elsa rivers

Very near the city but with a character all of its own is Fiesole, high on the hill overlooking Florence and with a wonderful panoramic view.

24 hours in Florence: the city is worth rather more, but you can at least get some idea of it.

Say Florence and the Renaissance comes to mind, but the city also boasts a number of very interesting baroque buildings. Here is a short tour itinerary to explore them.

Santa Croce is a very central city quarter, with many venues of historical importance and not to be missed.

San Giovanni quarter  is the very heart of the city. The name is the same of the Baptistry of Florence, just in front of the gothic Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore.

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