Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Representing the patron saints of Florence's many guilds, they were commissioned in
the 15th and 16th centuries after the signoria ordered the city's guilds to finance the
church's decoration.
These statues represent the work of some of the greatest Renaissance artists. Only cop-
ies adorn the building's exterior today but all the originals except one are beautifully dis-
played in the church's little-known, light and airy museum, open only on Monday in two
floors above the church.
Via de' Tornabuoni
Renaissance palaces and the flagship stores of Italian fashion houses border Via de' Tor-
nabuoni, the city's most expensive shopping strip. Named after a wealthy Florentine noble
family (which died out in the 17th century), it is sometimes referred to as the 'Salotto di
Firenze' (Florence's Drawing Room).
From the duomo, walk west along Via de' Pecori and its extension, Via degli Agli,
crossing three streets before coming to Via de' Tornabuoni. Straight ahead, at the T-inter-
section, is Palazzo Antinori MAP GOOGLE MAP (Piazza Antinori 3), built between 1461 and
1469, owned by the Antinori family since 1506. One of Florence's most aristocratic famil-
ies, the Antinori are known for the wines they produce on their Tuscan estates in Chianti.
Opposite, huge stone steps lead up to 17th-century Chiesa di San Gaetano MAP
STREET
GOOGLE MAP .
Palazzo Strozzi
MAP
ART GALLERY
GOOGLE MAP
( 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 is host today to some of the city's most exciting blockbuster
art exhibitions. Contemporary art in its basement Strozzini gallery (free admission after
6pm Thursday) and an imposing internal courtyard are equally alluring.
Art workshops, Family Sundays and other activities aimed squarely at families make
Palazzo Strozzi a firm favourite with pretty much everyone. There's always a buzz about
the place, with young Florentines congregating in the courtyard Renaissance Café ( Click
here ) (run by Florentine designer Roberto Cavalli no less); it's one of the best spots in the
city to pick up free wi-fi.
Chiesa di Santa Trìnita
CHURCH
 
 
 
 
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