The Fiaccherai of Florence – A Slower Way to Experience the City

In a city where most visitors move quickly from one landmark to the next, there are still moments that follow a different rhythm.

In Florence, one of these quieter presences is the fiaccheraio — the traditional carriage driver. You may first notice the sound of hooves on stone, slower and softer than the usual flow of the city. Then, a horse-drawn carriage appears, moving steadily through the narrow streets.

A Tradition That Has Not Disappeared

The fiaccherai have been part of Florence for centuries. Long before cars and buses, they were an essential means of transport, connecting different parts of the city and offering a practical way to move through its streets.

Today, their role has changed. The carriage is no longer a necessity, but it has not disappeared. Instead, it has become a quieter, more reflective way of experiencing the city — one that contrasts with the pace of modern travel.

The People Behind the Carriages

What makes this tradition particularly interesting is not only the carriage itself, but the people who continue it. Many fiaccherai are part of long-standing family traditions, maintaining a profession that has gradually disappeared in most European cities.

Their presence is calm and understated. They wait in certain squares, speak quietly with potential passengers, and remain part of the city without trying to dominate it.

Not for Everyone — And That Is Part of Its Appeal

A carriage ride through Florence is not necessarily a “must-do”. It is slower, more deliberate, and perhaps even slightly anachronistic.

But for some visitors, this is exactly the point. It offers a different perspective — one that allows the city to unfold gradually, without urgency.

A Different Perspective on the City

Seen from a carriage, Florence changes subtly. The narrow streets feel more intimate, the façades more detailed, and the movement of the city less overwhelming.

It is not about covering distance, but about experiencing continuity — the sense that the city has layers that still coexist.

For those who prefer a more thoughtful and unhurried stay, being based in the historic center makes these experiences easier to access. From a quiet and carefully curated apartment like FirenzeCasa, the city can be explored naturally — sometimes on foot, and occasionally at the pace of a carriage.

Further Reading

Fiacre – historical background of horse-drawn carriages
Official tourism information – City of Florence