Complesso di San Firenze (Complex of San Firenze), Florence

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Complesso di San Firenze (Complex of San Firenze), Florence

Complesso di San Firenze (Complex of San Firenze), Florence

Situated on the southeast corner of the San Firenze Square in central Florence, near the Uffizi Gallery, the Complex of San Firenze encompasses a collection of buildings that have played diverse roles throughout history. Notably, it served as a significant venue during the Risorgimento movement, hosting crucial political gatherings and events.

One prominent structure within the complex is the Oratory, constructed in the 17th century. Today, it is utilized for events and concerts, adding vibrancy to the cultural scene. Adjacent to it stands the Church of San Filippo Neri, adorned with an elegant Baroque-style façade that remains true to its original function.

Following a comprehensive restoration, the complex now serves as a versatile cultural space, housing notable institutions such as the Franco Zeffirelli Foundation (Tue-Sun: 10am-6pm). Named after the acclaimed director, Franco Zeffirelli, who hails from Florence, this foundation pays tribute to his illustrious seven-decade career. Zeffirelli is renowned for his work on films like "Tea with Mussolini," "Hamlet," "Jane Eyre," and "The Taming of the Shrew," as well as his collaborations with Hollywood icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. His 1968 rendition of "Romeo and Juliet" earned him an Academy Award nomination. With a portfolio encompassing 18 films, 31 theatrical performances, and over 100 operatic works, Zeffirelli now has a dedicated museum in his hometown.

The museum exhibition commences with Zeffirelli's humble beginnings in 1953 and is organized into 20 chapters within different rooms. Visitors can view nearly 300 sketches, along with posters, fliers, costumes, set-design models, original drawings, and behind-the-scenes photographs captured on film sets. On the ground floor, a tearoom extends into the palazzo courtyard, providing a pleasant space to relax. Adjacent to it, a store offers Zeffirelli's books and film memorabilia, allowing enthusiasts to delve deeper into his remarkable career.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Complesso di San Firenze (Complex of San Firenze) on Map

Sight Name: Complesso di San Firenze (Complex of San Firenze)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Florence, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Florence

Create Your Own Walk in Florence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Florence Introduction Walking Tour

Florence Introduction Walking Tour

The city of Florence was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for veteran soldiers. It was built initially in the style of an army garrison – with main streets intersecting at today's Piazza della Repubblica. The original name, Fluentia, stems from its location between the two rivers; later, it was renamed Florentia, which means “flowering” or “flourishing”.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Arno South Bank Walking Tour

Arno South Bank Walking Tour

The area south of Arno river, also called Oltrarno ("Beyond the Arno"), is a quieter place but not less interesting. Here you can find the Pitti Palace whose collection of paintings is second only to the Uffizi, and the vast Boboli Gardens once enjoyed by the Medici and the royal family. One of the first and most important examples of "Italian Gardens", they later served as...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Medici Landmarks Walking Tour

Medici Landmarks Walking Tour

The Medici family helped to establish Florence as the single most important art capital of Renaissance Europe. In order to prove wealth and power, they built numerous palaces, libraries, churches, chapels and personal residences. The Medicis were big lovers of art and they acquired huge, expensive collections, as well as supporting many sculptors and painters of the time.

Designed by...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Florence's Hidden Art Treasures

Florence's Hidden Art Treasures

The “Cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence is one of Europe’s most beautiful and busiest destinations, home to some of the world's greatest pieces of art and architecture. The iconic masters like Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as their somewhat less-known but equally talented counterparts, such as Ghirlandaio, Sangallo and Castagno, have blessed this city with...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Duomo Walking Tour

Duomo Walking Tour

Located in the very heart of historic Florence, the Duomo area is deservedly considered the city’s religious and civic center, replete with numerous landmarks. Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the two most important squares in the city, are steeped in history and the sights and activities found here are truly endless.

The most prominent of these, undoubtedly, is the breathtaking...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Dante's Florence Walking Tour

Dante's Florence Walking Tour

Dante Alighieri was arguably the greatest – albeit also most controversial – of Italy's poets. After having served as one of the six priors governing Florence, his political activities – including the banishing of several rivals – led to his own banishment, upon which he wrote his masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy”, as a wanderer, seeking protection for his family in one town after...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

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