How long does it take to walk the Ghosts and Legends route?

The walk takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The total distance is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), making it an easy stroll through the historic center of Florence with plenty of time for photos at each stop.

Is this Florence walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is family-friendly. While the stories involve ghosts and legends, they are more focused on local folklore and history rather than graphic horror, making it an engaging way for older children to learn about the city.

Where does the Florence legends walk start and end?

The walk begins at the iconic Piazza della Signoria, specifically near the Neptune Fountain. It concludes at Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, near the Spedale degli Innocenti, which is well-connected to local transit at Piazza San Marco.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Evening or night is the best time. After the sun sets, the crowds thin out and the historic buildings are beautifully illuminated, which significantly enhances the storytelling and the 'Dark City' theme.

Are there any hills or difficult terrain on this route?

No, the route is very easy and flat. It stays within the historic center of Florence, which is a pedestrian-friendly zone. However, be mindful of the traditional cobblestones, which can be slightly uneven.

Can I see the 'Always Open Window' for free?

Yes, the window at Palazzo Budini Gattai is visible from the public square of Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. You do not need a ticket or special access to see the window or the statue of Ferdinand I.

Is a guided tour Florence better than a self-guided walk for legends?

A self-guided walk offers more flexibility. You can pause the narration to grab a gelato or spend more time at a specific landmark like the Spedale degli Innocenti without having to keep up with a group.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Beneath the golden glow of Florence's Renaissance facades lies a city carved from shadows, secrets, and centuries of superstition. This self-guided walk invites you to peel back the layers of history to discover the 'Dark City'—a place where political executions, tragic lovers, and petrified heads tell a different story of the Tuscan capital. Unlike a typical walking tour Florence offers during the day, this evening neighborhood stroll focuses on the eerie legends and hidden gems that often go unnoticed by the crowds. You will begin in the political heart of the city, Piazza della Signoria, where the ghost of a radical friar is said to linger near the spot of his fiery demise. From there, the route winds through narrow medieval alleys toward the mysterious Via dei Leoni, once home to real lions and now perhaps home to something more spectral. As you explore independently, you will encounter 'La Berta,' a woman literally turned to stone in the walls of a church, and the 'Always Open Window' of Palazzo Budini Gattai, where a centuries-old vigil continues to this day. This audio walk is designed for those who prefer to uncover the past at their own pace, moving away from the polished galleries and into the atmospheric corners where legend and reality blur. Whether you are intrigued by the macabre history of the foundling hospital or the impossible-to-count bees of Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, this walking route provides a hauntingly beautiful perspective on Florence after dark. Experience the city’s most chilling tales and architectural anomalies without the pressure of a group, letting the stones of Florence speak for themselves.

Highlights

The execution site of Girolamo Savonarola in Piazza della Signoria

The mystery of 'La Berta,' the petrified woman of Santa Maria Maggiore

The legend of the 'Always Open Window' at Palazzo Budini Gattai

The impossible-to-count bees on the statue of Ferdinand I

The haunting history of the Spedale degli Innocenti foundling hospital

The medieval shadows and lion legends of Via dei Leoni

Tour Stops (6)

Piazza della Signoria

Start your self-guided adventure in Florence's main political square, a place of immense beauty and dark history. Look for the circular marble plaque on the ground near the Fountain of Neptune. This marks the spot where the radical friar Girolamo Savonarola was executed in 1498. After ruling Florence with a puritanical iron fist, he was hung and burned here. Locals say that on the anniversary of his death, the scent of smoke still hangs in the air. Before leaving the square, glance at the Palazzo Vecchio's stone walls to find 'L'importuno,' a profile carved into the rock, allegedly by Michelangelo himself while his back was turned to a boring acquaintance.

Via dei Leoni

Walking behind the Palazzo Vecchio, you enter the 'Street of the Lions.' For centuries, the Republic of Florence kept live lions here as symbols of power and protection. Legend tells of a lion that escaped its cage but, instead of attacking a young boy it encountered, gently protected him. However, not all tales are so kind; the area is also associated with the 'lion's mouth' where anonymous accusations were once dropped. As you walk this narrow passage at night, imagine the roars that once echoed off these stone walls, and keep an eye out for the ghostly golden mane some claim to see in the shadows.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

Look up at the northern wall of this ancient church to find one of Florence's strangest sights: 'La Berta.' This is a weathered stone head of a woman protruding directly from the masonry. According to legend, a man being led to his execution cursed the crowd, and a woman named Berta leaned out of a window to deny him a drink of water. The condemned man, who was allegedly a sorcerer, cursed her to stay there forever. She turned to stone on the spot, and she has been watching the street for centuries. It is a chilling reminder of the power of words in old Florence.

Palazzo Budini Gattai

Direct your gaze to the upper right window of this grand palace, formerly known as Palazzo Grifoni. You will notice the shutters are always slightly ajar. The legend says that in the 1500s, a young bride watched from this window as her husband rode off to war. She waited for decades, never leaving her post, until she died. When her body was removed and the shutters closed, the room reportedly became a whirlwind of flying furniture and ghostly activity. The family quickly reopened the shutters, and they have remained open ever since to allow her spirit to keep her eternal vigil.

Piazza della SS. Annunziata

This square is often considered the most beautiful in Florence, but it holds its own mysteries. Approach the equestrian statue of Ferdinando I de' Medici. On the back of the pedestal, there is a bronze plaque featuring a swarm of bees around a queen. The legend states it is impossible to count the bees without touching them or losing your place. They represent the industrious people of Florence centered around their leader. Try it yourself, but be warned: the 'invisible' bees are said to shift positions to confuse anyone who tries to tally them.

Spedale degli Innocenti

Your neighborhood stroll concludes at the Hospital of the Innocents, Europe’s first orphanage. While the architecture by Brunelleschi is sublime, the history is bittersweet. Look for the small 'rota' or revolving door on the left of the portico. This was where desperate parents would leave their babies anonymously, ringing a bell before disappearing into the night. Each child was given a lead medal, often broken in half so the parents could return years later to identify them. The spirits of the 'innocents' are said to still inhabit the quiet loggia, a poignant end to our journey through the city's hidden past.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided audio walk is one of the best ways to explore Florence's dark side. It covers legends like the petrified head of 'La Berta' and the cursed window of Palazzo Budini Gattai, allowing you to experience the city's eerie atmosphere at your own pace.