How long does it take to walk this street art route?

The total walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) at a leisurely pace with stops for photos.

Where can I see Clet's street signs in Florence?

You can find them all over the city, but the highest concentration is in the San Niccolò neighborhood and near the Ponte alle Grazie, where his primary studio is located.

What is the 'Art knows how to swim' series?

It is a famous series by the artist Blub, depicting iconic historical figures and artworks wearing scuba masks. You can find these mostly on grey metal gas or electric boxes throughout the city.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

Absolutely. Children often enjoy the 'treasure hunt' aspect of spotting modified street signs and colorful murals, and the route stays away from the heaviest traffic areas.

Can I do this walk at night?

While the neighborhoods are safe and vibrant at night, daylight is highly recommended to appreciate the details and colors of the street art.

Are there many hills on this Florence walk?

No, this specific route is mostly flat as it follows the river and the valley floor, making it an easy stroll compared to the climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Is street art legal in Florence?

It is a complex issue; while some murals in the Murate Art District are commissioned, many of the smaller interventions exist in a legal grey area, often tolerated because of their artistic value and popularity with locals.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Florence is widely celebrated as the cradle of the Renaissance, a city where every corner seems to whisper tales of the Medici and Michelangelo. However, beyond the marble statues and frescoed chapels lies a vibrant, living canvas of contemporary expression. This self-guided walk invites you to look up from your map and notice the playful, subversive, and thought-provoking urban culture that defines modern Florence. By exploring the neighborhoods of San Niccolò and Sant'Ambrogio, you will discover that the city's artistic soul is as active today as it was in the 15th century. This neighborhood stroll takes you through narrow medieval alleys and across historic bridges to find hidden masterpieces that are often overlooked by traditional walking tour Florence itineraries. You will encounter the iconic altered street signs of Clet Abraham, the underwater-themed icons of Blub, and the sprawling murals of the Murate Art District. Along the way, this walking route showcases how contemporary artists engage with the city's heavy heritage, using humor and social commentary to breathe new life into ancient walls. Starting at the Ponte alle Grazie, you will transition from the scenic vistas of the Arno to the bohemian heart of the Oltrarno. You will visit the working studio of a world-renowned street artist and explore a former prison complex that has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. This is not just a look at graffiti; it is an exploration of how a historic city maintains its relevance in the 21st century. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot or a curious traveler wanting to see a different side of the Tuscan capital, this audio walk provides the context and stories behind Florence's most elusive art forms. Discover at your own pace and see why the urban culture here is just as essential to the Florentine identity as the Uffizi itself. This experience offers a refreshing perspective, proving that art in Florence is not confined to museums—it is alive on the streets, waiting for those who know where to look. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The iconic modified street signs of Clet Abraham

Blub's 'L'arte sa nuotare' (Art knows how to swim) series

A visit to the bohemian San Niccolò neighborhood

The transformation of Le Murate from a prison to an art district

Contemporary murals in the vibrant Sant'Ambrogio district

Stunning alternative views of the Ponte Vecchio

Tour Stops (6)

Ponte alle Grazie

Begin your self-guided adventure on the Ponte alle Grazie. While most visitors flock to the Ponte Vecchio, this bridge offers a superior vantage point to appreciate the city's skyline and the first glimpses of its urban art scene. Keep an eye on the street signs leading onto the bridge; this is where you are likely to spot your first 'Clet.' The artist Clet Abraham uses removable stickers to transform mundane traffic signs into witty works of art—a silhouette carrying the 'no entry' bar or a heart pierced by an arrow. This bridge serves as the gateway to the Oltrarno, the 'other side' of the river where the local creative spirit thrives. It is the perfect place to observe how modern interventions subtly play with the city's historic backdrop.

CLET Studio

Just a short walk from the bridge, you will find the headquarters of one of Florence's most famous modern residents. Clet's studio is a hub of activity where you can often see the artist at work or browse through prints of his global interventions. His work is a commentary on authority and the rigidity of urban rules, delivered with a quintessentially Florentine sense of irony. Street art here is often ephemeral; while the stickers on the street may come and go due to weather or city maintenance, the studio remains a permanent testament to the city's contemporary pulse. Notice the large-scale works and the variety of signs from different countries, reflecting how this local movement has gained international acclaim while staying rooted in the San Niccolò neighborhood.

Via di San Niccolò

As you wander down Via di San Niccolò, look closely at the gas and electric meters set into the stone walls. This area is a prime location for the work of Blub, an anonymous artist famous for the 'L'arte sa nuotare' or 'Art knows how to swim' series. You might see recognizable figures like Dante or the Girl with a Pearl Earring, all depicted wearing diving masks underwater. This recurring theme suggests that even when we are 'underwater' or in times of crisis, art provides the oxygen we need to survive. Because street art is subject to change, some pieces may be faded or replaced by new artists like Exit/Enter, known for his minimalist stick figures. This street perfectly encapsulates the blend of medieval architecture and modern creative defiance.

Murate Art District

Cross back over the river to reach Le Murate, a site that has evolved from a 15th-century convent to a high-security prison, and finally into a vibrant social and cultural complex. Today, the Murate Art District (MAD) hosts contemporary exhibitions, artist residencies, and public installations. The architecture itself tells a story, with the old prison cells now serving as housing and studio spaces. Look for the large-scale murals that often decorate the inner courtyards, which frequently address themes of freedom and human rights. This stop highlights the city's commitment to urban renewal and shows how 'institutional' spaces can be reclaimed by the community for artistic expression. It is a stark, fascinating contrast to the ornate palaces of the city center.

Borgo la Croce

Entering the Sant'Ambrogio district via Borgo la Croce, you leave the tourist crowds behind for a more authentic Florentine atmosphere. This pedestrianized street is a canvas for smaller, more spontaneous urban interventions. From stylized wheatpastes to intricate stencils, the art here is more grassroots and ever-changing. You might find works by 'L'Abbe Noire' or political posters that reflect current Italian social issues. The vibrant energy of this area is fueled by the nearby market and the local university crowd, ensuring that the street art here stays fresh and relevant. It is a great place to observe the 'low-brow' side of the Florentine art scene, where the goal is immediate impact rather than eternal preservation.

Piazza dei Ciompi

Your neighborhood stroll concludes in Piazza dei Ciompi, a space dominated by the 16th-century Loggia del Pesce but defined by modern life. This square has undergone significant renovation and serves as a gathering spot for locals and artists alike. Nearby, you will find some of the city's most impressive legal mural walls, often featuring large-scale portraits or abstract designs. The square is a symbol of the 'New Florence,' where historic preservation meets modern utility. Take a moment to sit and enjoy the atmosphere; the mix of flea market finders, students, and residents creates a living mosaic that is as much a part of the city's culture as any painting in the Accademia. From here, you are perfectly placed to explore the nearby Sant'Ambrogio market or find a local cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, surprisingly so. While famous for the Renaissance, Florence has a thriving contemporary scene centered in the Oltrarno and Sant'Ambrogio neighborhoods, featuring world-famous artists like Clet and Blub.