The Piazza - chariots, hospital, legends
Santa Maria Novella
Just a stone’s throw from the central railway lies Piazza Santa Maria Novella - one of the biggest squares in the city centre. See the two marble obelisks? Placed in 1608, on small bronze turtles by Giambologna, they marked the course of the exciting Palio dei Cocchi, chariot race - it happened right here from the mid-16th to the mid-19th century. To the southwest side of the square, you'll spot the Loggia dell'Ospedale di San Paolo. This hospital, established in 1208 and suppressed in 1780, is now home to Florence’s Museum of Modern Art (Museo Novecento). There are nine arches, decorated with terracotta medallions of the Franciscan Saints by Andrea della Robbia - and a lunette showing the meeting of Saint Francis and Saint Dominic (legend has it, it took place right here). The blue neon sign reads "we are with you in the night".
As seen on
Florence City Tour: The Jewel of the Renaissance