Torre dei Cerchi, Medieval tower in central Florence, Italy
Torre dei Cerchi is a medieval stone tower in central Florence, standing as a residential structure from the city's tower-building era. The building displays typical features of its time, including narrow windows and thick walls that protected stacked living spaces within.
The tower emerged in the 12th century when Florence was shaped by families seeking refuge and displaying strength through vertical structures. This building method evolved from practical needs for defense and power display across generations.
The tower represents how medieval families used tall structures to protect themselves and display their power during Florence's internal conflicts. Today you can observe how this building method shaped daily life, with compact vertical spaces designed for both safety and authority.
The tower sits in Florence's historic center and is easy to reach on foot since it stands among narrow medieval streets. Visitors should know that access may be limited, so checking opening hours beforehand is wise.
Each floor originally held just one room, with the kitchen deliberately placed at the top level. This unusual arrangement served to minimize fire risks and direct food odors upward and away from living spaces.
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