Torre dei Gianfigliazzi, Medieval tower near Santa Trinita church, Florence, Italy.
The Torre dei Gianfigliazzi is a six-story stone tower on Via de' Tornabuoni with Romanesque features visible in its arches and rectangular windows along the facade. Today it operates as a hotel, allowing visitors to stay overnight within an authentic medieval structure.
The tower was originally built for the Ruggerini family but was demolished in 1260 and later reconstructed for the Fastelli family. The Gianfigliazzi family then controlled it for centuries until they sold their interest around the middle of the 18th century.
The tower served as a gathering place for the city's intellectual circles in the early 1800s, drawing writers and political thinkers to its halls. Today guests can sleep within its walls and experience the space where these important conversations once took place.
The tower is located at Via de' Tornabuoni in central Florence and is easily accessible as it operates as a hotel. Be aware that the narrow staircases and medieval structure mean steep climbs between levels.
During an 1841 renovation, the tower received distinctive merlons at its crown that drew inspiration from the neighboring Palazzo Spini Feroni. These crenellations give the roofline a sharp profile that sets it apart from other towers in the city.
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