In the heart of Florence, tucked away on Via Alfani, stands Palazzo Guidi Raggio. Today, it’s a haven of tranquility, home to the Suore Minime del Sacro Cuore. They are a Franciscan order dedicated to caring for the elderly. But don’t let its peaceful facade fool you. Palazzo Guidi Raggio whispers tales of a vibrant past, intertwined with the city’s booming wool trade. Look for the two coats of arms on the facade. They are a silent testament to the building’s origins. They once belonged to the Arte della Lana. This powerful guild operated a wool mill known as “degli Angeli” on this very spot. It earned its name from its location, opposite the monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Imagine the rhythmic clatter of looms and the air thick with the scent of freshly spun wool. Fast forward to the late 17th century, the Giugni family, known for their opulence, acquired the property. They were drawn to this bustling hub of commerce. The current structure, with its grand three-story facade and nine symmetrical axes, emerged in the 19th century. Eventually, Palazzo Guidi Raggio passed into the hands of the Guidi Raggio family. They, in a gesture of remarkable generosity, donated it to the Suore Minime del Sacro Cuore in the 1950s. While the architecture whispers understated elegance, the true gem lies concealed behind its walls. A lush garden, a rare expanse of green amidst the city’s stone embrace, awaits. It’s a shared secret with the neighboring Palazzo Giugni, accessible through hidden pathways. The garden is a sanctuary enclosed by ancient walls. Stroll beneath the shade of its trees and discover a delightful surprise: a charming 19th-century artificial grotto. This whimsical addition, adorned with spongy rocks and vegetation, echoes similar creations found in grand Florentine palazzi. Palazzo Guidi Raggio stands as a testament to the ebb and flow of time, a place where the echoes of industry blend with serenity and whispers of artistic patronage linger in the air.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,