Giardino di San Marco, Renaissance garden in Florence, Italy
Giardino di San Marco is a Renaissance garden in Florence that extended between Via Cavour and Via San Gallo, combining open spaces with architectural elements from different periods. The site is now marked by modern structures and houses the city's Court of Appeal.
The garden was founded in 1475 when Lorenzo de Medici acquired land from the monks of San Marco monastery and transformed it into an art academy. During the 19th century, the site underwent extensive renovations and became the location of the current court building.
The space served as a meeting point where aspiring artists trained under experienced masters and engaged with classical works. This art school shaped the development of Florentine artistic tradition in fundamental ways.
The location is in central Florence and is easily reached on foot from most tourist areas. Since the site now houses a court building, access is restricted and there are limited public entry points for visitors.
The garden was known for students learning from masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci by copying ancient Roman sculptures from Lorenzo de Medici's personal collection. This hands-on learning approach made it an exceptional school for artistic craft and technique.
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