Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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1
Around Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica
PIAZZA
()
The site of a Roman forum and heart of medieval Florence, this busy civic space was
created in the 1880s as part of a controversial plan of 'civic improvements' involving the
demolition of the old market, Jewish ghetto and slums, and the relocation of nearly 6000
residents. These days it's best known for its concentration of historic cafes.
Palazzo Strozzi
ART GALLERY
(
www.palazzostrozzi.org
; Via de' Tornabuoni; variable admission prices; 10am-8pm Tue-Sun, to 11pm
Thu)
This 15th-century
palazzo
is one of Florence's most impressive Renaissance man-
sions. It was built for wealthy merchant Filippo Strozzi, one of the Medicis' major politic-
al and commercial rivals, and now hosts some of the city's most exciting art exhibitions.
The contemporary art in its basement Strozzini gallery (free admission after 6pm Thu) and
imposing internal courtyard are equally alluring.
There's always a buzz about this place, with young Florentines congregating in the
courtyard Renaissance Café (
Click here
) (run by Florentine designer Roberto Cavalli, no
less) - one of the best spots in the city to pick up free wi-fi.
Museo Marino Marini
(Piazza San Pancrazio 1; adult/reduced €4/2; 10am-5pm Wed-Sat & Mon)
Deconsecrated in the
19th century, the Chiesa di San Pancrazio is home to this small art museum displaying
sculptures, portraits and drawings by the Pistoia-born sculptor Marino Marini (1901-80).
But what really stuns is the superbly restored
Cappella Rucellai
and the tiny scale copy of
Christ's Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem - a Renaissance gem by Leon Battista Alberti - that
it contains.
ART GALLERY
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