Piazza Santo Spirito

Located in the Oltrarno, the neighborhood on the other side of the Arno River (opposite the Duomo), this square is a lively hub of activity, especially at night when its many cafes and restaurants draw locals out to relax on terraces and patios for a meal or a drink. A main feature of the square is Filippo Brunelleschi's last church, the Basilica di Santo Spirito, which he designed in 1444, but was unable to finish before his death. Antonio Manetti, Giovanni da Gaiole and Salvi d'Andrea finished the church by the end of the 1400s.

Manty recent visitors loved the local feel and say it is a nice escape from the tourist crowds. The square is home to a small daily market and since the area has long been an artisan district, there are lots of shops you can visit in the neighborhood. For a real glimpse into local life, this is a wonderful place to sit back and take it all in.