The theatre which once dominated this floor was frequented by the likes of Machiavelli, Count Bardi and Galileo Galilei, who's father Vincenzo played often with the other musicians here. Together they created new musical principles, merging music to the 33rd Canto of Dante Alighieri's Inferno, giving birth to what is known now as Lyrical Opera. Still hanging from the ceiling of the apartment are the original scenic machinery used at that time when carrying out the operas.
Location
Located right in the heart of the historical centre, the area takes its name from one of the city's most remarkable churches. The Santa Croce neighbourhood provides a rare glimpse of old Florence with lively markets and tiny leather and artisan workshops, including the flea market (Mercato delle Pulci) at Piazza dei Ciompi. The Mercato St. Ambrogio, the city's second main food market after the Mercato San Lorenzo, is within close walking distance too. Furthermore, the area is just a stone's throw away from some of the city's main cultural attractions such as the Bargello Palace, which houses one of Italy's most important museums, the Casa Buonarroti, (the former home of Michelangelo), Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio, not forgetting the magnificent Santa Croce church and museum.
Train station S. M. Novella 15 min on foot | Florence airport 20 min | Pisa airport 1 hour | Siena 45 min.