With the arrival of summer and scorching temperatures, what could be better than a stroll in the heart of Florence with a delicious ice cream in hand? In this article, we explore three historic ice cream shops located in the Florentine Oltrarno, an area known for its authentic charm and vibrant atmosphere: Gelateria La Carraia, Gelateria Santa Trinita, and Gelateria della Passera.
Gelateria La Carraia
Located right on the Ponte alla Carraia, this ice cream shop is a landmark for Florentines and tourists alike. Founded in 1990 by an all-female management team, La Carraia is led by Mrs. Eleonora, along with her husband Massimo and their son Carloalberto. With the help of carefully selected staff, this ice cream shop has always strived to interpret and best express the flavors of ancient Florentine tradition.
Main features:
- Wide variety of flavors: From traditional ones like dark chocolate and stracciatella to more innovative ones like mango and cheesecake.
- Ingredient quality: Only fresh milk, cream, and seasonal fruit.
- Scenic location: Panoramic view of Ponte alla Carraia and the Arno, perfect for a refreshing break during a stroll.
- Constant innovation: The ice cream shop is always seeking new flavors and trends to offer artisanal gelato that follows the evolution of taste while maintaining the Florentine tradition.
- Website: gelaterialacarraia
Gelateria Santa Trinita
Positioned at the corner of Via de’ Tornabuoni and Ponte Santa Trinita, this ice cream shop is famous for its rich flavors and artisanal quality. Founded in March 2008 in the historic Palazzo Frescobaldi, Gelateria Santa Trinita offers a superior quality product in the heart of Florence’s historic center.
Main features:
- Search for new combinations: Unique flavors like black sesame imported from Japan, pistachio from Bronte, and Piedmont hazelnut IGP.
- Artisanal production: Fresh ice cream is prepared daily using traditional methods.
- Welcoming atmosphere: A warm and family-friendly environment that invites you to stop and enjoy the ice cream calmly.
- Variety of choices: Up to 40 flavors of ice cream, sorbets, semifreddos, and excellent fruit granitas during the summer, satisfying even the most discerning palates.
- Website: gelateriasantatrinita
Gelateria della Passera
In the heart of the picturesque Santo Spirito neighborhood, near the small Piazza della Passera, this ice cream shop is loved for its authenticity and charm. Gelateria della Passera was born in July 2010 thanks to Cinzia’s passion, who after attending the Gelato University of Bologna, opened her own open-view laboratory.
Main features:
- Creative flavors: Definitely try the pistachio from Bronte and Florentine cream.
- Sustainable production: Particular attention to sustainability, using organic and local ingredients.
- Intimate atmosphere: The hidden and quiet location makes this ice cream shop a perfect place to relax away from the crowds.
- Awards: The Monnalisa flavor won the Press Award at the Gelato Festival of Florence in 2013. The ice cream shop has received the Tre Coni award from Gambero Rosso every year since 2017 and was mentioned by the Financial Times in 2022 as one of the 25 best ice cream shops in the world.
- Website: gelateriadellapassera
Conclusion
Whether you’re a tourist discovering Florence or a resident looking for some refreshment, a visit to these Oltrarno ice crream shops is an experience not to be missed. Each ice cream shop offers a unique interpretation of artisanal ice cream, perfect for combating the summer heat and enjoying the beauty of the city. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ice cream and let the taste guide you through the charming streets of Florentine Oltrarno.
