Arcetri

Travel 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 P10,408 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P10,408
P12,384 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff was tremendous they bend over backwards to do any request very friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 P6,599 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P6,599
P8,194 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,144 reviews)
"Very handy for a short walk into the city centre"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 P8,908 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P8,908
P10,734 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,003 reviews)
"One thing that I don’t like this hotel is the breakfast is not good"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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.
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! (1,507 reviews)
So fun!
"HU was great. Florence is a beautiful but it is a zoo. It was nice to stay at HU away from the crowds. We drove from Sienna and were able to check in early. Our cabin was lovely. The pizza at the restaurant was some of the best we had in Italy. The 14 bus (14A on the ride back) was only a 20 min. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (373 reviews)
"I was given upgrade for free. Very clean, very nice staff, center of all the action . Has the best view of the sunset and Arno river. Love the jacuzzi, best bed and pillows. I’m a serious traveler and had been to a lot of 5 star hotels , and this one felt like I’m in 1! I will surely cone back!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (667 reviews)
"Very well located Nice rooms Good breakfast Kind staff"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do