SUZSHE

Arriving in Florence from Siena via SITA bus. Have 6 hours only in Florence before departing for Venice. Would like to go to Oltrarno to see Pontormo's "Deposition" at Santa Felicita. Can suitcases be left at the train station? Can we walk from the train station to Santa Felicita or should we use taxi or bus? An alternative site being considered for this brief stopover is the Boboli Garden. Hoping to get tips on getting to and from the bus/train stations to these sites.

Mallory

You can definitely walk to Santa Felicita, but should take a taxi if you are in a real hurry. I have had no experience with leaving luggage at the station, but believe that you can. I missed the Pontormo on my visit last year, and am looking forward to seeing it when I return next month!

rhkkmk

i believe that i saw both lockers and left luggage at the florence station, but check some more

SUZSHE

Thanks for the tips. The Pontormo was suggested as a "must see once in your life" in a book called "City Secrets Florence Venice" which lists favorites of traveling art historians, curators, landscape architects, chefs etc. I'd like to skip the crowds when the scaffolding comes down around the David on May 24! But also want my daughter to experience something equally astounding in Florence and I hear that this Pontormo will be something to remember.

ellenem

There is a left baggage deposit in the Florence train station.

I always stop to visit Santa Felicita and the Pontormos. The colors and composition is unusual and beautiful. Check opening times carefully--this church is closed for a long period at midday. Also bring plenty of change--you will need it to turn on the lights to see the frescoes. The Pontormos are in the chapel behind gates to the right as you enter the church.

It would make a nice walk for you through Florence to Santa Felicita. You would pass most of the major sites. Santa Felicita is just the other side of the Ponte Vecchio. You would continue in the same direction to reach the Boboli gardens.

ellenem

oh--if you didn't dawdle, you could walk to Santa Felicita from the train station in less than half an hour.

SUZSHE

Half an hour's walk sounds great especially walking past some of the major sights. Should we head toward the Duomo first? Any suggestions for lunch near Santa Felicita?

ellenem

Really, it is a very fine walk. A very direct route to the Ponte Vecchio and Santa Felicita would take you past the Duomo and Baptistery, and Piazza Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio.

Unsure of the time you arrive, again I would say for you to check the midday closing times for Santa Felicita. Since you have only six hours, I wouldn't want you to stop at the Duomo and miss seeing the Pontormos. I suspect Santa Felicita may be closed from 12:30PM to 3:30PM, perhaps even later.

Since you will be in the Oltrarno, wander over to Piazza Santo Spirito. There are a number of dining choices there.