This apartment is located on a narrow street in Oltrarno, a five minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio and an ideal base for exploring the historic center of Florence. The apartment, in an ancient, well-maintained building, is reached by two short flights of stone stairs – an easy climb for this pair of septuagenarians.
In the apartment is a compact but complete kitchen with everything we needed to prepare sandwiches, eggs, and other light meals. (Who would want to forego their main meal in one of Florence’s legendary restaurants?) There is a large refrigerator, a gas stove, and an oven. The bed is very comfortable, and it was easy to sleep off the tiredness of full days on the streets and in the attractions of the city.
Alessandra was the perfect host, meeting us at the door when we arrived two hours late because of flight delays and answering questions when we needed guidance. Our flight from Florence at the end of our stay departed at 7:15 a.m., and she made arrangements for us with local taxi company, who arrived right on time to take us to the airport.
The location is exceptional; there are three excellent trattorias on the street, more around the corner on Piazza Santo Spirito, and other establishments – including two gelato shops – on Via Romana, less than a minute from our doorstep. There is an outstanding grocery store in Oltrarno near the Ponte Vecchio, a ten-minute walk from the apartment.
We were slightly concerned that being in Oltrarno, on the opposite side of the Arno from the Duomo, the Uffizi, and the other major attractions of the city, walking across the river might present obstacles. Our concerns were unfounded; not only were we within easy walking distance of everything we desired to see, being out of the bustle of city was a real plus and gave us easy access to the whole of Oltrarno with its eateries, shops, and monuments.
From the moment we arrived, we felt quite at home in the apartment. When we visit Florence again, we hope to be able to stay in Alessandra’s apartment.