Forte di Belvedere and the city walls
The star fort above Boboli, the last long stretch of medieval wall, and the whole city below. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Costa San Giorgio (the approach)
From the south end of the Ponte Vecchio, take the steep walled lane up. It's the same climb as the Bardini walk, but here it's the way to the fort. Slow and shaded; let the bridge crowd fall away behind you.

2. Porta San Giorgio
The old gate at the top, St George riding over the arch. Turn right here and the fort's entrance is a few steps along the wall. The view begins before you're even inside.

3. Forte di Belvedere
A six-pointed star fort the Medici built in the 1590s to watch over their own city as much as defend it. The grass ramparts give a 360-degree sweep — duomo and tower one way, the hills the other. Often hosts a summer sculpture show; entry's free when it's open.

4. Villa Medici palazzina
The small ochre villa at the fort's heart, set on the rampart lawns. You can't always go in, but the terrace around it is the highest open ground over the centre. Sit on the grass; this is the spot.

5. The medieval wall to Forte Belvedere
Below the fort runs the best-surviving stretch of Florence's 14th-century wall, climbing the hillside in long crenellated runs toward the Bardini and Boboli. Walk alongside it down the slope; few people follow it this far.

6. Porta Romana
The wall comes down to the great southern gate, the grandest of the survivors, where the road to Rome once began. The Bus 11 runs from here back across the river, or walk the last bit through the San Frediano lanes.

Forte di Belvedere and the city walls