Piazza San Marco
The square of Florence that is home to the San Marco Museum, the Academy of Fine Arts and the University
Piazza San Marco is located in Florence’s historic centre and stands out for its square shape lined with elegant buildings.
The piazza is surrounded by large buildings, like Palazzina della Livia, attributed to Bernardo Fallani (1780) and currently home to military offices. Opposite, you can find the Accademia delle Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts) and a branch of the University of Florence.
At the centre of the piazza is a monument to General Manfredo Fanti, made in bronze by Pio Fedi in 1873.
On the northern side of the piazza is the Church of San Marco and a wing of the historic Dominican convent, which was enlarged by Cosimo the Elder in 1437 under the direction of Michelozzo. The church was consecrated by cardinal Niccolò d'Acciapaccioon the evening of Epiphany in 1443, with Pope Eugene IV in attendance.
Today, the site houses the San Marco Museum, which conserves the richest collection in the world of works by Beato Angelico, including his most famous and admired works.
