The Palagio dell’Arte della Lana: A Testament to Florence’s Medieval Heritage
The Palagio dell’Arte della Lana, once the headquarters of the powerful Wool Guild (Arte della Lana) in Florence, is a rare survivor of the extensive demolition that reshaped the city’s historic center in the 19th century. Rather than being torn down, the building was freed from surrounding constructions, as evident in historical photographs.
Architectural Changes and Restoration
During the urban renewal, several modifications were made:
- The staircase designed by Bernardo Buontalenti on the south side, which once connected the Palagio to the first floor of Orsanmichele, was removed. The archival collection housed there is now accessed through a new internal connection.
- A medieval-style structure with a loggia was added to the opposite side, in line with the aesthetic of other noble palaces.
- The Tabernacle of the Tromba, which had stood for centuries in Piazza del Mercato Vecchio, was relocated here, a masterpiece by Jacopo del Casentino.
The Artistic Heritage: Jacopo del Casentino and Pietro Gerini
The tabernacle contains a Madonna and Child with Two Saints and Angels, Above it, there is another 14th-century painted panel, originally attributed to an anonymous Florentine artist but now thought to be the work of Pietro Gerini, depicting the Coronation of the Virgin.
A Model for Historical Preservation
Today, the Palagio dell’Arte della Lana houses the SocietĂ Dantesca Italiana, an institution dedicated to the study and promotion of Dante Alighieri’s works. Its preservation serves as an example of how Florence could rehabilitate its historic buildings—such as medieval towers, churches, and guild halls—without resorting to total demolition.
Urban Planning and Florence’s Evolving Cityscape
Urban development in Florence was not new; even before the major 19th-century renovations, interventions had already taken place. In 1842, streets such as Via Calzaiuoli and Via Martelli were widened, creating a direct axis linking Palazzo Vecchio to Porta San Gallo through Via Larga. These changes reflect Florence’s ongoing balance between preservation and modernization.
