SANTA CROCE, CITY CENTRE EAST

From Borgo Albizi make a right into Via Giraldi and on the second road you cross turn left into Via Ghibellina. Here walk straight on until you reach number 70 where you will find Casa Buonarroti. This group of 3 houses was bought by Michelangelo –whose surname was Buonarroti- in 1508. Here you will find a small yet interesting collection, amongst which the wooden model for the façade of San Lorenzo which he never finished.

Continue East on via Ghibellina until you reach Via Verdi where you will turn right. At the end of this street you will enter Piazza Santa Croce with the famous church on your right, in front of which you the imposing statue of Dante will greet you.

Santa Croce is a wonderful Gothic Church. Many famous Florentines are buried here including Michelangelo, Galileo and Macchiavelli. Wonderful frescoes from Giotto and Gaddi adorned the walls and cloisters from Bruelleschi and Arnolfo are a fantastic example of Renaissance art. Santa Croce is also home to Cimabue’s Crucifixion a fresco by Gaddi in the Baroncelli Chapel.

With your back to the Church, cross the square and take Borgo de’ Greci. Follow the street all the way to the famous Piazza della Signoria. For centuries this square has been the city’s venue for rallies and festivities.

In Piazza della Signoria you will find the Loggia de’ Lanzi, under which are a collection of statues including Cellini’s famous Perseus, a bronze sculpture dating back to 1554, symbolising the Grand Duke Cosimo I power with the head of Medusa in Perseus’ hand.

In front of the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio you can see Michelangelo’s David on the left and Hercules and Caccus by Bandinelli to the right.

Neptune’s Fountain is on the left of the building where the Roman seagod surrounded by his nymphs symbolises the Tuscan Naval Victories.

Giambologna’s equestrian statue of the Grand Duke Cosimo I celebrates the man who united Tuscany under his rule through cunning military strategy.

The Palazzo Vecchio is still Florence’s Townhall today. Completed in 1322 when the bell finally fitted its huge tower, it was used to call citizens for meetings or to warn them of fire. When Cosimo moved in Leonardo and Michelangelo were given the task to redecorate it, but the fierce rivalry between the two artists had a third contender receive the commission in full. Vasari undertook all the work and the many frescoes he painted celebrate Cosimo’s greatness and his creation of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The Palace is home to a variety of works of art amongst which the Cortile and Putto fountain, Michelangelo’s Victory and the splendid Sala de’ Gigli.

Leaving Palazzo Vecchio, make a right up via de’ Calzaiuoli. This street cuts directly north to the Piazza Duomo crossing Piazza della Repubblica. Once in Piazza Duomo, with the cathedral on your right, head straight up Via de’ Ricasoli. You are now heading towards San Marco.