Palazzo dell'Arte della Seta

Palazzo dell'Arte della Seta is a Renaissance palace located on Via di Capaccio 3 that rises three stories with arched windows and carved stone details across its front. The building connects the former church of Santa Maria Sopra Porta on its ground floor to the upper sections of Palagio di Parte Guelfa above.

The palace became the headquarters of the Silk Guild in 1336 when a house was purchased from the Giandonati family. Major renovations around 1423 transformed the building into the form visitors see today.

The exterior walls display decorative friezes showing cherubs and fruit garlands that represent the silk trade and guild identity. These images reflect how important the guild was to daily life in the city and remind visitors of the merchants who worked here.

The building sits in central Florence and is easily reached on foot, with its location on a main street making it simple to find. Visitors should expect narrow medieval streets in the surrounding area and allow time to explore what is nearby.

Inside the palace are historical frescoes, including a medieval Virgin and Child painting attributed to the artist Niccolò di Pietro Gerini. This work demonstrates the artistic treasures housed within the walls.