This itinerary through the heart of the religious and political heart of Medici Florence has been suggested by Hotel La Gioconda.
the route
From Panzani Street turn right, along Cerretani Street, as far as San Giovanni Square.
The Baptistery is the most ancient building of the square; it was dedicated to San Giovanni, the Florentine patron saint.
Going straight on you will arrive in Cathedral Square. Stop to admire Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.
The large dome, planned by Brunelleschi, ends with a lantern, that Vernocchio finished with a ball surmounted by a cross. The Bell Tower was begun by Giotto in 1334.
On the corner of Calzaiuoli Street, notice the fourteenth-century loggia together with the 'Misericordia Company' in 1244 in order to take in orphans or abandoned children.
Going straight on Proconsolo Street, you will pass by two outstanding buildings, the Florentine Badia church and the Bargello Palace on the opposite side.
The church belonged to a Benedictine monastery that the marquess Ugo from Toscana’s mother ordered to be built in 978.
Thanks to the other considerable donations, the abbey bought or inherited different surrounding properties; so that various activities flourished such as stationers, bookbinders and booksellers which nowadays characterize the area.
We have just given an outline of the 3km route, but the website of the hotel lists opening times for the main churches and monuments along the way, as well as more historical anecdotes.
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