Isn’t it strange to find a pyramid in the heart of Florence? You might think it’s an ancient Egyptian relic, but it’s something entirely different. This, my friends, is the Ghiacciaia delle Cascine, a testament to the Florentine love affair with frozen treats. Built in 1796 by architect Giuseppe Manetti for Ferdinando III Lorena, this pyramid-shaped structure served a unique purpose. It was a giant ice house. During the winter months, workers would collect snow and ice from the Apennines and store it within the Ghiacciaia delle Cascine’s thick, insulated walls. This precious icy cargo would then be used throughout the scorching summer months to create refreshing sorbets and gelato. The Florentines, you see, were quite passionate about their sweet, chilled delights. This structure is a reminder of a time before modern refrigeration, when ingenuity and a touch of architectural brilliance kept things cool.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,