If you have the time to really stop and explore Florence you will find all sorts of hidden treasures like Piazza del Limbo walking through Borgo Santi Apostoli not far from the Ponte Vecchio but a whole other world. The small virtually unknown Chiesa di Santi Apostoli quietly guards this Piazza. Originally a small cemetery was here where children who had died without being Baptized were buried as they were destined, it is said, to be in Limbo in the afterlife.
This square was located outside the Roman city walls before the year 1000. The Church of Santi Apostoli is quite beautiful and one of the oldest in Florence. Built in the 11th century there are rare artifacts waiting inside to be discovered. It is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. There is a plaque on the exterior marking the presence of Charlemagne who supposedly inaugurated the church. Next to this church is the Palazzo Borgherini-Rosselli del Turco which suggests Turkey’s influences in Florence. This Piazza is mostly shady an a cool respite from the blazing sun in warmer months.
The Limbo Church- Church of Santi Apostoli
The exterior is Romanesque and the interior of the Church of Santi Apostoli has a medieval feel. This is a beautiful church. There are masterpieces to view within. It is said the Crusaders held this place dear and went here to receive the blessings.
Also on this ancient square is a notable building with the inscription Bagni Nelle Antiche Terme, basically ‘Thermal Baths’. This was once an ancient thermal bath during the time of Roman Florence but none of the bath remains today. This little square is quite magical and you feel surrounded by the historical complexity of this city away from the hustle and bustle of central Florence. This is home to high end tailor shop now.
Bagni Nelle Antiche Terme- Borgo Santi Apostoli
Lastly, before we leave this Piazza is the Torre dei Buondelmonti. This is a twelfth century tower that once was home to a powerful banking family after the original family Buondelmonti left. It is one of the tallest towers still left in the city. Today it is home to a leather shop. (Scusi for the bad photo)
Torre dei Buondelmonti
If you have more interest in Florence for your travel planning you can start here: Florence- revisited. Also Florence – The Historic Center
This blog will link to many others to help you plan your trip.
[…] want to learn more about Florence or tips for planning your trip check out other blogs: Florence: Hidden Treasures: Piazza del Limbo; Restaurant lingo in Italy; Florence revisited ; Florence- The Historic Center ; Florence- The […]
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