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 AU$301 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$301
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
Beautiful location away from the hustle and bustle
"Upside is that breakfast was included. Dinner menu was limited in choice. There were no lighter options. For example; salad, charcuterie board. The gardens and view are spectacular. The walls are surprisingly thin. I could clearly hear people’s conversations as well other activities. Air conditioning ..."

Reviewed on 30 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
The price is AU$173 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$173
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,102 reviews)
"I had an amazing stay at this hotel. The views from my room were one of the best I've seen in Florence - breathtaking! The staff was incredibly accommodating, and when I mentioned that the airflow in our room was a bit still, they promptly delivered a fan to our room upon my return. The rooftop bar ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini
Grand Hotel Baglioni

Grand Hotel Baglioni

4 out of 5
Piazza Unita Italiana 6, Florence, FI
The price is AU$256 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$256
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"The rooftop amazing, the staffs, the location everything amazing"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Grand Hotel Baglioni
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.
Rivalta Hotel

Rivalta Hotel

4 out of 5
Lungarno Corsini 2, Florence, FI
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (364 reviews)
"Amazing location!!! Staff are super nice and welcoming."

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Rivalta Hotel
Hu Firenze Camping In Town

Hu Firenze Camping In Town

Via Generale Dalla Chiesa, 1-3, Florence, FI
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Florence. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 3 poolside bars. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,493 reviews)
"Would absolutely go back! Had a fantastic 9 nights away, convenient for the bus into Florence! Beds were firm and really comfy. Food was fantastic and very reasonable. Breakfast was good, we only had it on the first morning for convenience. The choice of pools was brilliant, all clean, just a little ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Hu Firenze Camping In Town
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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (662 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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