SANTA MARIA NOVELLA
Walking through Piazza Indipendenza and Piazza del Crocifisso, we arrive in Fortezza da Basso’s area, characterized by the modern railway station of Santa Maria Novella, one of the best examples of modern Italian architecture, designed in 1935 by a group of Tuscan artists including Piero Berardi and Giovanni Michelucci and named by the monumental complex of the historical Fortezza da Basso. |
FORTEZZA DA BASSO
Fortezza da Basso |
The Fortezza da Basso was built by the Sangallo family in 1534. This splendid example of the celebrated Fortresses, built under the growing threat of tur bulent political upheavals, was one of the very first Italian "citadels". A building with powerful bastions bristling with turrets, full of narrow passages, parapet walks and secret passages, throughout all its long history, this impregnable fortress was never once attacked and has thus remained intact to this day. The Fortezza da Basso is well-equipped, for a total area of over 34.000 square meters, and is the largest area for exhibitions in the city.
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PALAZZO DELLE ESPOSIZIONI
Nowadays the Fortezza da Basso houses the main Exhibition Centre in Florence (Palazzo delle Esposizioni), where all the most important fairs and shows are held (from haute couture -such as Pitti Immagine Uomo and Pitti Immagine Bimbo- to fabric and leather previews, arts and crafts, leisure, gifts shows and the Congress Tourism Market Show). Built on three floors, the modern pavilion that is usually used for these events was designed by architect Pierluigi Spadolini and inaugurated in 1977. |
PALAZZO DEI CONGRESSI
Palazzo dei Congressi |
The Exhibition area of the Fortezza da Basso is connected functionally and operatively with Palazzo dei Congressi and Palazzo Affari. Palazzo dei Congressi is a villa built by the Strozzi family, perfectly restored and housing ancient furniture and pieces, while Palazzo Affari is a modern hall, built by architect Spadolini in 1974. The three facilities stand out as particularly original and very high-profile exhibition and meeting places. Like for the rest of Florence, in this area ancient corners emerge from modern sights making Florence one of the most charming city of the world.
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BIBLIOTECA NAZIONALE
In the Fortezza da Basso’s area is located the richest Library in Italy: the Biblioteca Nazionale, the collection runs through the Italian culture starting from the XIII century to today. It has 4 millions of volumes; about 724.000 between letters and autographs; more then 24.000 manuscripts including the precious Galilean Collection. |