Built between 1534 and 1535, and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, the Fortezza da Basso, dedicated to the patron saint of Florence, St John the Baptist, was commissioned by Alessandro de’ Medici and financed by Pope Clement VII. It was the means by which the Medici proposed to suppress any popular revolts and uprisings. In fact, the battery on the massive keep (decorated with large diamond shaped stone bosses alternating with balls) faced towards the city, rather than away from it, although fortunately it was never used. For many years, following the construction of exhibition pavilions, such as that designed by architect Spadolini, it has hosted international events such as the Pitti Immagine fairs held annually in January and June. Restoration work carried out in the 70s brought to light the remains of the 13th century Porta a Faenza.
Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1
+39 055 49721
www.firenzefiera.it
FORTEZZA
35 mt
(how to get )
This Gate was part of Florence’s last (starting from the center out) circle of walls and dates back to the 1300s. Surprisingly enough, the Gate owes its name not to the fact that it led towards the [...]
FORTEZZA
245 mt
(how to get )
Also called “del Vascone”, these gardens run along the eastern side of Fortezza da Basso. A haven for sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy jogging or doing any other form of exercise. Instead, to t [...]
VALFONDA STAZIONE SMN
234 mt
(how to get )
This is the garden of Villa Vittoria, a building designed in 1520 probably by Baccio d'Agnolo. According to historical sources, this green space stretched over a large area extending from Via Valfonda [...]
ALAMANNI STAZIONE - T1
289 mt
(how to get )
Formerly known as "di Gualfonda", this building now has a somewhat rustic facade typical of the "Casini", that is, two-storey town villas with large gardens. In the past, leading figures of the 16th c [...]
STROZZI - FALLACI
126 mt
(how to get )
Branching off from this trapezoidal-shaped piazza are numerous roads essential for the city’s mobility, such as via dello Statuto, via XX Settembre and via XXIV Maggio.The name, as with the above me [...]
VALFONDA STAZIONE SMN
173 mt
(how to get )
Don't be misled by its appearance, this Neo-Renaissance building overlooking via Valfonda is actually one of the most innovative conference centres, the historical venue for the main events of the me [...]
VALFONDA STAZIONE SMN
155 mt
(how to get )
A highly versatile space inaugurated in 1974, Palazzo degli Affari is a 4,000 square meter multipurpose facility. Renovated in 2021, this space can accommodate almost 2,000 people for conferences and [...]
STATUTO
315 mt
(how to get )
It stands where the houses of the ancient hamlet of Romito used to be, named for the small oratory dedicated to Saint Lucia, which an anchorite (a hermit, hence the term “Romitorio” or hermitage) [...]
