During the Middle Ages, horse races were held on this square. Two obelisks marked the turning points of the chariots. Marble obelisks on the square in the style of ancient Rome were created by Bartolomeo Ammannati. And the bronze shells on which the obelisks allegedly rest are the work of the 1608 sculptor Giambologna. In fact, the obelisks rest, of course, on pedestals, and seashells only create the illusion of support. By the way, the last chariot race on this square was held in 1852.
Most of the houses in the square are now hotels. Opposite the church is the building of the former St. Paul's Hospital. It was founded by Franciscan monks. At first it was just a refuge for pilgrims. In the middle of the 14th century, a covered gallery was added to the building, similar to another famous Florentine hospital, the Spedale degli Innocenti. Terracotta medallions were made by Andrea della Robbia.
He painted over the door to the church on the right edge of the gallery a meeting of Saints Francis and Dominic. Dressed in black and white, respectively, the founders of friendly orders, which share the area, warmly greet each other. Now it is a museum of modern art.
At the corner of the square is a large tabernacle with a fresco by Francesco d'Antonio, an artist of the XV century. She depicts the Madonna with the baby and the saints (now here is a copy).
Most of the houses in the square are now hotels. Opposite the church is the building of the former St. Paul's Hospital. It was founded by Franciscan monks. At first it was just a refuge for pilgrims. In the middle of the 14th century, a covered gallery was added to the building, similar to another famous Florentine hospital, the Spedale degli Innocenti. Terracotta medallions were made by Andrea della Robbia.
He painted over the door to the church on the right edge of the gallery a meeting of Saints Francis and Dominic. Dressed in black and white, respectively, the founders of friendly orders, which share the area, warmly greet each other. Now it is a museum of modern art.
At the corner of the square is a large tabernacle with a fresco by Francesco d'Antonio, an artist of the XV century. She depicts the Madonna with the baby and the saints (now here is a copy).
Translated automatically from Ukrainian. View original
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