The neighbourhood at the base of the hill below Piazzale Michelangelo, running along Via San Niccolò from the medieval tower of the same name. This is one of the least-touristed parts of the historic centre — a narrow street of restaurants, wine bars, and small workshops that fills in the evenings with people who live in the Oltrarno.
The ancient San Niccolò tower (Torre di San Niccolò) at the east end of the street is one of Florence's original medieval defensive towers, largely intact and open for visits in summer. Via San Miniato al Monte leads up the hill from here toward the church, making this a good starting point for the afternoon walk to San Miniato and the Piazzale.