The Gate of St. Nicholas (Porta San Niccolo) is a part of the former defensive fortifications of Florence, which is a gate that, because of its current appearance, looks more like a tower.
The Gate of San Niccolo is also called the tower of San Niccolo or the Tower of St. Nicholas (Torre San Niccolo, Torre San Niccolo), however, earlier the gates of the Florentine fortifications looked exactly like this.
The gate-tower is located near the waters of the Arno River, on its left (south) side, on the Piazza Giuseppe Poggi (Piazza Giuseppe Poggi).
Today the gate can be visited. There is an observation deck at the top of the gate.
The gate was erected in 1324-1345 according to a project attributed to the Italian architect Andrea Orcagni, together with the surrounding city walls. These walls were mostly destroyed in the 19th century as part of a city renovation project, and the tower was spared partly because of the panoramic view of the city and since the hill of San Miniato was a natural protection for the tower from enemy artillery strikes.
The name "St. Nicholas" gate was named after the Church of St. Nicholas Oltrarno (Chiesa di San Niccolò Oltrarno) located in this area of the city.
The Gate of St. Nicholas is called the "Queen of the Florentine Towers" and they are an architectural monument.
Thanks to the preservation of the gates in the 19th century, they are the only ones in the city that have retained their original height. Whereas the battlements are not original and date from the nineteenth century.
The height of the tower is about 45 meters. The lower tier of the tower is the former entrance gate to the city. The tower on one side consists of three large overlapping open arches, while on the other it is completely covered and has arched windows. The upper part of the tower forms a flat platform surrounded by battlements.
On the south side, a staircase is attached to the Tower of St. Nicholas, which was created by architect Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century to integrate the tower into the new context of the Poggi ramps leading to the famous Michelangelo Square, which is the most popular viewing platform in Florence.
The gates of St. Nicholas are perfectly visible from the ramps of Poggi.
Inside the gate, above the arch is a 14th-century fresco depicting the Virgin and Child between Saints John the Baptist (patron saint of the city) and Nicholas the Wonderworker (patron saint of the district).
Visit to the St. Nicholas Tower - observation deck
During the summer months, from about June to the end of September, the tower can be visited at certain hours.
The visit includes a guided tour, during which you can climb to the top of the tower and admire the panoramic views of the city.
Practical information
In addition to the Tower of St. Nicholas in Florence, you can visit other former defensive objects of the city: towers, gates and fortresses.
Visits to the fortifications of Florence, including the Gate of St. Nicholas, are paid.
Information about the possibility of visiting the gate tower, opening hours, ticket prices, etc., we recommend checking on the official website: musefirenze.it.
Address of the Gate of St. Nicholas: Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy.
Coordinates of St. Nicholas Gate: 43°45'52.7"N 11°15'52.2"E (43.764639, 11.264489).
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