Arcetri Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Arcetri
Arcetri
Arcetri
Arcetri
Arcetri

Discover traces of the life of the astronomer Galileo Galilei at this picturesque district set in the southern hills of Florence.

Peaceful Arcetri is famous for being the place where one of the world’s greatest astronomers and physicists spent his final years. After being convicted of heresy by the Catholic Church in Rome, Galileo was placed under house arrest and retreated to Arcetri. Visit Arcetri today to walk in his footsteps, tour historical landmarks and enjoy splendid views from landscaped gardens.

A great place to start is at Villa il Gioiello, located along a quiet street. This was the home of Galileo during the last years of his life and where he wrote his acclaimed book Two New Sciences. Look for a bust of the astronomer set in a niche in the villa’s facade and accompanied by a commemorative inscription in Latin. Guided tours by prior appointment offer an insight into Galileo’s life as a scientist, teacher, family man and wine enthusiast.

Those with an interest in astronomy and the solar system can attend stargazing events and workshops at the Arcetri Observatory. Astronomers from Florence inaugurated the observatory in 1872 when light pollution in the city hampered their studies. It houses one of Italy’s largest refractor telescopes and a piano once owned by Albert Einstein. In the garden, contemporary art pieces represent scale models of the planets.

Wander the winding tree-lined streets of Arcetri to find striking works of architecture, such as the Tuscan-style Villa Capponi, and a monument to Italian patriot Daniele Manin. Frescoes by Antonio del Pollaiuolo decorate the walls of Villa la Gallina. Experience the spiritual tranquility of the 11th-century San Leonardo in Arcetri church. Guided tours of the Villa del Poggio Imperiale showcase the history of this neoclassical school building and one-time grand ducal villa.

While in Arcetri be sure to visit the Torre del Gallo, which once formed part of a fortified castle. Views from the garden present magnificent panoramas of Florence and the surrounding countryside.

Public buses travel from central Florence to Arcetri, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. Alternatively, get here on foot by crossing the Arno River, passing through Bardini Gardens and continuing on a meandering cobblestone road.

Art Hotel Villa Agape

Art Hotel Villa Agape

4 out of 5
Via Torre del Gallo 8/10, Florence, FI
The price is ₹13,494 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
₹13,494
₹16,264 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"The whole experience at the Agape is first class. The hotel and private grounds are beautiful and a really nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Florence. One of the top hotels we have stayed in 50 years of travel. The staff are wonderful and have a natural customer facing attitude to helping ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Art Hotel Villa Agape
The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini

4 out of 5
Viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70 72, Florence, FI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,062 reviews)
"Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
c-hotels Ambasciatori

c-hotels Ambasciatori

4 out of 5
Via Luigi Alamanni 3, Florence, FI
The price is ₹10,263 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹10,263
₹12,710 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Very convenient location"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

c-hotels Ambasciatori
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hu Firenze Camping In Town

Hu Firenze Camping In Town

Via Generale Dalla Chiesa, 1-3, Florence, FI
Stay at this family-friendly campsite in Florence. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and 3 poolside bars. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,479 reviews)
Nice place for camping
"If you’re camping then this place is great. Keep in mind that you will be paying a city tax when you check in. The hut you stay at is outdoors and an individual unit, so it’s prone to ants or other bugs entering. The washroom and shower is quite small and rely on an open window instead of having ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hu Firenze Camping In Town
Rivalta Hotel

Rivalta Hotel

4 out of 5
Lungarno Corsini 2, Florence, FI
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (357 reviews)
"Excellent stay in a beautiful property overlooking the river. Staff was wonderful, breakfast was wonderful, room was spacious and beautifully designed. All around excellent!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Rivalta Hotel
Palazzo Alfieri Residenza d’epoca – Alfieri Collezione

Palazzo Alfieri Residenza d’epoca – Alfieri Collezione

Lungarno Corsini 2, Florence, FI
Stay at this residence in Florence. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (657 reviews)
"The hotel exceeded all of my expectations!! The staff was amazing and we LOVED our apartment room!! Will definitely come back"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Palazzo Alfieri Residenza d’epoca – Alfieri Collezione
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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