San Lorenzo

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Essential: a “lampredotto” sandwich
Famous for: the market
In three words: traditional, typical, rustic

San Lorenzo in Florence basically means one thing: the market! Actually, the two markets. A space with open stands that loops between the Via Nazionale and the Piazza di San Lorenzo: you can find clothes, jewelry, leather products (this one is still the pride of Florence). Open all day, every day, even though in the last few years it has changed looks (many stands disappeared), it’s always worth a walk. Among the stands, you will find the historic Central Market, with a wide offer of fresh products, all of it enhanced by Florence’s most authentic spirit. In the surroundings you may also find many shops, wineries, the “lampredotto” carts, and some low-priced taverns which offer typical Florentine food.

HISTORY: San Lorenzo is an Antique neighborhood which started around the Basilica in the IV century. It’s the first cathedral in Florence, with a simple, exposed, basic and magic facade. The internal patio is one of the most beautiful places in the centre. During Renaissance, the district gained prestige because of the Medici family who built the Medici Riccardi Palace, the new Basilica renovated by Brunelleschi and the Medici Chapel. The market was founded in the 19th century, as part of the proclamation of Florence as a capital, and the neighborhood became a commercial zone, full of artisans’ shops. Nowadays the area is more of a comfortable and centric area, just 5 minutes away from the Santa Maria Novella station, very conveniently located and closet to our apartments Florence for your holidays in the city.

AMBIENCE: We’re in the centre of the city, but the air is different here. It may be because of the market’s presence, or its old and popular tradition: San Lorenzo transmits a more authentic sensation, made out of strong aromas that are mixed in the streets, voices that scream to people inviting them to buy their best products, also big and colourful signs. The Capella dei Principi and the Basilica di San Lorenzo will then make a charming appearance and you are soon forced to stop and forget about everything around you for a couple of minutes. Get used to it: It’s always happening in Florence.

PLACES: Via Cavour is an elegant walk, full of shops, ample and pedestrian. It connects Piazza San Marco and Piazza del Duomo and halfway you’ll find the Mercato di San Lorenzo and the imposing structure of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a masterpiece due to its simplicity and elegance. It also houses great works of art and its patio is an example of harmony and symmetry.
The Cappella dei Principi is a museum, and also is the Medici family’s burial place, built on the upper part of the Basilica di San Lorenzo: it’s the second dome (also red!) because of the dimensions of the city, but built by Michelangelo. On the opposite side you can admire the Basilica di San Lorenzo: a small and intimate treasure.
The Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, also in the Piazza di San Lorenzo, is Micheangelo’s work and one of the best collections of manuscripts in the world (11.044), also housing printed books and incunabula.

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San Lorenzo