How long does the Hidden Wine Windows walk take?

This self-guided walk typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) through the historic center of Florence.

Can you still buy wine from the windows in Florence?

Yes, a few businesses like BABAE and Cantina De' Pucci have revived the tradition. You can ring a bell or knock during service hours to receive a glass of wine through the window.

Is the wine window walk difficult?

No, it is considered an easy walk. The terrain is flat, though you will encounter the typical historic cobblestones of Florence's city center.

Where is the best place to start looking for wine windows?

The Santa Croce and Oltrarno neighborhoods have a high density of windows. Via dell'Anguillara and Via delle Belle Donne are excellent starting points for your exploration.

Are the wine windows open at night?

The windows themselves are permanent architectural features visible 24/7. However, if you want to experience service from one, evening 'aperitivo' time (usually 5 PM to 8 PM) is the best time to visit.

Why were the wine windows created?

They were created to allow noble families to sell wine tax-free and without the need for a storefront. They also provided a safe, contactless way to sell wine during the bubonic plague.

Is this walk suitable for children?

Yes, children often enjoy the 'treasure hunt' aspect of finding the tiny windows. While the theme is wine, the walk focuses heavily on unique architecture and history.

Do I need to pay to see the wine windows?

No, viewing the wine windows is completely free as they are located on the exterior walls of buildings throughout the public streets.

What is the best walking tour in Florence for hidden gems?

The Hidden Wine Windows walk is widely considered one of the best for discovering off-the-beaten-path history. It avoids the main tourist crowds while showcasing a quirk unique to the city.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Florence is world-renowned for its towering cathedrals and Renaissance masterpieces, but some of its most charming secrets are hidden at waist height. This self-guided walk invites you to discover the 'buchette del vino'—the unique wine windows of Florence. These tiny, arched openings are found nowhere else in the world, serving as a fascinating portal into the city's social and economic history. Originally created by noble families to sell surplus wine from their country estates directly to the public, these windows bypassed taxes and middlemen, becoming a staple of local life for centuries. As you navigate the medieval heart of the city, you will see how these architectural quirks tell a story of resilience. During the plague of the 1630s, these windows allowed for a form of 'socially distanced' commerce, where wine was passed through the stone and coins were collected in vinegar-filled bowls for disinfection. This walking route Florence offers leads you from the bustling streets near Santa Croce through the refined district of San Lorenzo and across to the vibrant Oltrarno neighborhood. You will encounter grand palazzi belonging to wine dynasties like the Antinori, discover windows hidden behind ornate inscriptions at the Palazzo dei Cartelloni, and visit the very spots where this tradition has been modernly revived. Whether you are interested in the quirky side of history or looking for the most Instagram-worthy corners of the city, this neighborhood stroll provides a unique perspective on the Florentine lifestyle. Exploring independently allows you to stop and admire the intricate stonework or even pause for a glass of Chianti at a window that has returned to active service. It is an easy, atmospheric walk that combines architectural discovery with the city's enduring love for the vine.

Highlights

Locate the historic wine window at Via dell'Anguillara

See the grand architecture of the Palazzo Antinori wine dynasty

Discover the scientific inscriptions and hidden window at Palazzo dei Cartelloni

Explore the 'Street of Beautiful Women' and its floral-framed wine portal

Visit BABAE, the venue that revived the wine window service for the modern era

Tour Stops (6)

Via dell'Anguillara, 14

Begin your self-guided adventure at one of the most well-preserved wine windows in the Santa Croce district. These 'buchette del vino' were an ingenious solution for wealthy families to sell wine from their country estates directly to the public. Notice the dimensions—the arches are typically just large enough to fit a 'fiasco,' the traditional straw-bottomed Tuscan wine flask. During the 1630s plague, these windows became essential for safety; merchants would pass wine through the hole to avoid contact, and customers would drop their coins into a bowl of vinegar to disinfect them. It is a striking example of how historic architecture adapted to public health needs long before the modern era.

Cantina De' Pucci

As you move toward the heart of the city, you will find a window integrated into the grand Palazzo Pucci. This location is significant because it shows how the windows were a standard feature of noble residences. Historically, a customer would knock on the small wooden shutter, and the 'cellaio' (the household's cellarman) would appear to fill their bottle. Today, this window is part of an active restaurant, illustrating how Florentines have preserved these quirks of history. Take a moment to look at the surrounding stonework; the windows were often designed to mirror the style of the main palace doors, maintaining the aesthetic harmony of the building's facade.

Palazzo dei Cartelloni

This stop offers a unique blend of science and tradition. The Palazzo dei Cartelloni was the home of Vincenzo Viviani, a mathematician and devoted pupil of Galileo Galilei. He decorated the facade with large stone 'posters' or inscriptions praising Galileo's discoveries. Tucked away among these tributes to the stars and physics is a humble wine window. It serves as a reminder that even in a house dedicated to intellectual revolution, the practical business of selling wine was a constant. It is one of the more unusual settings for a wine window, showcasing how deeply integrated this practice was across all levels of Florentine society.

Palazzo Antinori

You are now standing before the palace of one of the world's oldest and most famous wine dynasties. The Antinori family has been producing wine since 1385. While they now manage a global empire, this small window on the side of their Renaissance palace marks their origins in local trade. It represents the transition of wine from a common household surplus to a luxury export. The palace itself is a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture, designed by Giuliano da Maiano. Even for a family of such immense wealth and status, the direct sale of wine through a tiny hole in the wall was a respected and necessary part of their heritage.

Via delle Belle Donne, 8

Located on the poetically named 'Street of the Beautiful Women,' this window is often cited as one of the most beautiful in Florence. It is frequently decorated with seasonal flowers by the locals, making it a favorite for photography. Look closely for a marble plaque near the opening; these inscriptions often detailed the specific hours of operation or guaranteed that the wine sold was produced exclusively on the owner's estate. This area was historically known for its high concentration of noble residences, and the presence of such an ornate window suggests that selling wine was not just a business, but a point of pride for the families living here.

BABAE

The final stop on our walking route is BABAE, a contemporary venue that made global headlines in 2019. They were the first to officially re-activate their historic wine window for modern service. While many windows across the city have been filled in or turned into mailboxes, this one returned to its original purpose. If you arrive during their service hours, you can ring the bell and experience the tradition yourself, receiving a glass of wine through the stone arch. It is a perfect bridge between the medieval past and the modern Florentine nightlife, proving that some traditions are timeless. This spot in the Oltrarno neighborhood is the ideal place to conclude your exploration with a drink in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The wine windows, or 'buchette del vino,' are small arched openings in the walls of Florentine palaces. They were used by noble families starting in the 16th century to sell surplus wine directly to citizens.