Piazza del Limbo (Limbo Square), Florence
This well-known ancient square, famously described in Dante's poem, was located outside the Roman city walls until the 10th century when the new Carolingian fortifications were constructed. It acquired its name, Piazza del Limbo, from the burial ground where unbaptized infants were interred, destined for Limbo in the afterlife during the medieval era.
Facing the square is the Church of the Holy Apostles ("Santi Apostoli"), which has retained its predominantly early medieval appearance, holding the distinction of being one of Florence's oldest surviving churches. Adorning the facade are two plaques that commemorate its legendary history. One plaque, inscribed in Latin, claims that on April 6, 801, Charlemagne, accompanied by the paladins Roland and Oliviero and Bishop Turpin, founded the church.
Adjacent to the church stands the shorter side of the Borgherini-Rosselli del Turco Palace, adorned with various plaques and inscriptions. Noteworthy features include a monogram of Christ and a delicate profile portrait, a bas-relief sculpture of the Madonna and Child traditionally attributed to Benedetto da Maiano, and two inscriptions in Pietra Serena stone with a devotional theme. Nearby, the Borgherini family once possessed one of medieval Florence's few private gardens, which later came under the ownership of the Rosselli del Turco family.
On the right side of the church stands the palace that belonged to the Altoviti family, showcasing a prominently sculpted coat of arms on its facade. Facing Borgo Santi Apostoli, one can also observe the structure of the 19th-century baths (currently closed), constructed by Antonio Peppini on the site of Florentia's original Roman baths, that were once public bathing facilities.
Facing the square is the Church of the Holy Apostles ("Santi Apostoli"), which has retained its predominantly early medieval appearance, holding the distinction of being one of Florence's oldest surviving churches. Adorning the facade are two plaques that commemorate its legendary history. One plaque, inscribed in Latin, claims that on April 6, 801, Charlemagne, accompanied by the paladins Roland and Oliviero and Bishop Turpin, founded the church.
Adjacent to the church stands the shorter side of the Borgherini-Rosselli del Turco Palace, adorned with various plaques and inscriptions. Noteworthy features include a monogram of Christ and a delicate profile portrait, a bas-relief sculpture of the Madonna and Child traditionally attributed to Benedetto da Maiano, and two inscriptions in Pietra Serena stone with a devotional theme. Nearby, the Borgherini family once possessed one of medieval Florence's few private gardens, which later came under the ownership of the Rosselli del Turco family.
On the right side of the church stands the palace that belonged to the Altoviti family, showcasing a prominently sculpted coat of arms on its facade. Facing Borgo Santi Apostoli, one can also observe the structure of the 19th-century baths (currently closed), constructed by Antonio Peppini on the site of Florentia's original Roman baths, that were once public bathing facilities.
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Piazza del Limbo (Limbo Square) on Map
Sight Name: Piazza del Limbo (Limbo Square)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
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