Florence is full of world-famous treasures, but behind every corner, there’s a story that few visitors know. In this article, we explore some Hidden Corners of Florence — mysterious places, curious details, and timeless traditions that reveal the city’s most authentic side.
1. The Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella
Our first stop is the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the oldest pharmacy in Europe, founded by Dominican friars in 1221. Once a monastery apothecary, it created herbal remedies, perfumes, and even cosmetics for the Medici family.
Today, it’s both a museum and a perfumery, where you can still buy centuries-old products like rose water and potpourri.
👉 Learn more on the official website of Santa Maria Novella.
As you step inside, the scent of history fills the air — vaulted ceilings, marble counters, and frescoes tell stories of medicine, alchemy, and beauty. No wonder this gem is one of the most unforgettable Hidden Corners of Florence.
2. Discovering Florence’s Hidden Symbols
Walking through the historic center, you’ll notice small yet powerful details. For instance, the portrait of Michelangelo and the equestrian monument with the bees, dedicated to Ferdinando I de’ Medici in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.
🐝 The bees symbolize harmony between leadership and the hard work of Florentine citizens — a perfect metaphor for Renaissance society.
If you love uncovering secret meanings, these artistic touches perfectly represent the Hidden Corners of Florence that most tourists never see.
Learn more about the Medici family’s influence on Florence.
3. The Always Open Window
Next, we reach Via dell’Oriuolo, where one mysterious window has remained open for centuries. Legend says it was left that way by a family awaiting their soldier’s return from war — a small act of love frozen in time.
This haunting story reminds us how Florence’s beauty is not just in its monuments, but in its everyday mysteries. It’s another reason why exploring the Hidden Corners of Florence reveals so much more than the obvious.
4. Vintage Photo Booth & Lucky Pig
Moving on, we find the vintage photo booth from the 1970s — still functioning! It’s a nostalgic stop for locals and visitors alike who love capturing timeless black-and-white memories.
Not far away stands the famous Fontana del Porcellino, a bronze wild boar at Mercato Nuovo. Tradition says that rubbing its nose brings good luck and ensures your return to Florence. So of course, I had to try it!
📸 Discover more about the Porcellino Fountain’s legend.
5. Giunti Odeon and the Wine Windows
Continuing our walk, we enter Giunti Odeon, a historic cinema turned bookstore located in Piazza Strozzi. Built in 1922, it blends elegant Art Nouveau style with the modern charm of a cultural hub. Inside, you can browse books, watch films, or simply admire the stunning interior.
Outside, look carefully at the old palaces — you’ll notice tiny “buchette del vino”, or wine windows. During the Renaissance, wealthy Florentines used these small openings to sell wine directly to passersby, avoiding tavern taxes.
Many of these charming windows have recently reopened — proof that the Hidden Corners of Florence continue to connect past and present.
🍷 Learn more about Florence’s wine windows.
6. Dante’s Stone – Where Legends Live
Finally, we stop at the Sasso di Dante, the “Dante’s Stone.” According to legend, Dante Alighieri used to sit on this very spot to watch the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
This stone is not just a monument — it’s a portal to the city’s literary soul, where myth and history blend seamlessly.
Conclusion
From ancient pharmacies to secret windows, from lucky boars to hidden wine doors — Florence is a city that never stops revealing itself. Exploring the Hidden Corners of Florence means walking through time, discovering stories that still breathe in its streets and stones.
✨ Which one would you visit first?
