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Driving from Greve in Chianti to Florence

I'm hoping Roberto is around somewhere! My son's Mother and Father-in-Law are staying in Greve in Chianti and will have a car to tour Tuscany. I know there's a public parking lot somewhere in Florence where they can leave the car and avoid the dreaded ZTLs! Can anyone help with this endeavor? Is the parking lot open for a late night stay in Florence, or is there a mandatory time when you must remove the car. Thanks everyone, as always!

Posted by
15043 posts

I'm a around a bit.
This is the parking lot (on Piazza della Calza) for your "consuoceri" (no English equivalent. It's the term that describes your son/daughter's parents' in law):
http://www.firenzeparcheggi.it/index.php?id=44
It's open 24h/day (cost €2/hr)
As you enter inside the Porta Romana gate, the parking is immediately to the left along the inside of the ancient walls. There is a little gate to get in. Tell them to make sure they immediately turn left to it after going under the ancient Porta Romana, because there is a ZTL camera 50 mts ahead.

This is the itinerary to the lot from Greve:
Piazza della Calza
Note that in the last mile Google is sending you the wrong way. From via Senese you need to turn right on Via del Gelsomino, then left on Viale del Poggio Imperiale. Google Maps shows to go straight on via Senese, but actually only buses can go straight to Porta Romana from the intersection with via del Gelsomino. Cars must go right on via del Gelsomino, then left later on.

If the place is full, tell them to go up to Piazzale Michelangelo. From the roundabout on Piazza di Porta Romana, they would take the tree lined Viale Galileo Galilei up to the Piazzale, just 10 min up the road.
Piazzale Michelangelo from Porta Romana

Posted by
1501 posts

I love you Roberto, I really, really love you! Thank you so much!!! Now where would you go for the Very Best Bistecca in Florence?

Posted by
1501 posts

This is the BEST website Ever for travelers. I try to "do my share" and post on areas that I know about, and just sit back
and learn from the rest of you! Thank you all!!

Posted by
500 posts

If they are driving from Greve through Il Ferrone, SR2 and Galluzzo, the parking at Porta Romana pointed by Roberto is the most convenient one. The big wall at the wall has three openings: the first one is the small one for people going to the center through via Romana (only with ZTL authorization, immediate check and fines); the second one (the big door) are people coming from the center from via de' Serragli; the third one, a bit counterintuitive, is the small access to the parking area, clearly marked but a bit difficult to spot. Note that you enter the parking lot from Porta Romana and exit from Piazza Tasso, the check out counter is at the exit. Pay attention not to enter the ZTL (control point fairly obvious) at Piazza Tasso.

If they are driving from Greve on SR 222, probably the most convenient parking lot is the one at Piazza Beccaria (keep on the left while driving in viale Amendola). Piazza Beccaria is on the border of ZTL but the way it is laid, it is unlikely to inadvertently enter ZTL from there.

Posted by
15043 posts

asps2 is right in saying that you can enter the walls passing through the leftmost door (the one closest to viale Petrarca).
However even if you enter through the 'wrong' door (the rightmost) you need not be photographed by the ztl camera. All you have to do, once you pass the door and are in Piazza della Calza, is U turn right before the ZTL camera and start going toward the big door (as you were exiting the ancient city). But then just before coming out, enter the parking lot on the right.

As you avoid being photographed by the camera with this little U turn make sure that, while you turn back away from the ZTL camera, do the 'gesture of the umbrella'

Posted by
7175 posts

Get the 365 bus from Greve if you are just travelling in for the day. It takes about 45mins and terminates near the station.

Posted by
61 posts

Just a note on the bistecca.... when we stayed overnight in Frankfurt on our last trip to Europe, my husband met a young guy from Florence at the hotel bar. When he heard we were heading to Florence, he said that we must go to Palle d'Oro for the best bistecca in town. My husband couldn't remember the Italian name, but knew that it was called Golden Balls in English. He was very happy to discover that it was easy to find and went there one evening with two of our sons. The restaurant was apparently extremely busy and crowded, but to say that they absolutely raved about the bistecca would be a serious understatement!!!!
My husband was very glad he decided to have a nightcap at the hotel in Frankfurt! It is still spoken of as one of the best meals of our trip.

Posted by
1501 posts

THANK you Linda, am passing this along too! I think that's the restaurant we went to, and after going through my files couldn't find it! Also remembered it was something about "balls!" LOL!

Posted by
15043 posts

I usually go to Perseus for the Bistecca, however it's not in the historical center and there are others that I know are good. Check below.
http://www.dissapore.com/grande-notizia/fiorentina-migliore-a-firenze/

However if one is in Greve, the ristorante da Piattellina in Strada in Chianti is famous for a good Fiorentina steak.

Fiorentina steak must be served rare. If you order it well done you will be kicked out of the restaurant and booed on the way out by the staff and local customers.