Piazza Santo Spirito

The settlement of the Augustinian Hermits in an area of ​​the Oltrarno (the area beyond the river Arno) included within the city walls of 1173 dates back to 1250 and is of fundamental importance for the entire neighborhood. In fact, during the 13th century, thanks also to the construction of three new bridges, the Oltrarno experienced a notable urban expansion which was organized around the two main religious centres: Santo Spirito and the Carmine churches

Starting from 1269 the Basilica of Santo Spirito was rebuilt and enlarged with the economic participation of the Municipality and at the end of the century the square took shape. The architectural appearance of this urban space has, however, profoundly changed over time: the reconstruction of the church based on a design by Brunelleschi (who here, inside, reached the pinnacle of his artistic career), the expansion of the convent, the architectural renovation of some noble palaces, but above all the eighteenth-century plastering of the church facade create the face of one of the most characteristic, "popular" and lively squares in the city. Numerous fair-markets are also held here, including (every third Sunday of the month) the Fierucola.

On the left side of the facade there is the entrance to the Cenacolo di Santo Spirito (Salvatore Romano Foundation), a small-great museum.