San Giovanni & Santa Croce

The most famous city sights and the best shopping too

Word to the wise: Whilst in San Giovanni, keep an eye out for the remains of the 14th century medieval wall that once surrounded Florence’s historic centre.
The districts at the western end of the historic centre - San Giovanni and San Croce - are most famous for two things: history and shopping. North of the river, San Giovanni boasts dozens of historic sites from the Baptistery of St John to the Palazzo Vecchio, and also has some of the city’s best boutique shopping along Via Calzaiuoli.

South of the river, Santa Croce, meanwhile, is home to the eponymous medieval Franciscan basilica - the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo - and is also famous for its historic leather goods stores. Put them together and you get to the real heart of Florence.