A solitary medieval tower that once guarded Florence’s eastern walls along the Arno, now standing at a road junction in the modern city.
At a glance
The Torre della Zecca was one of Florence’s terminal towers, closing the city wall perimeter toward the Arno River to the east. Today it rises isolated in Piazza Piave, a striking reminder of the city’s medieval fortifications.
History
Before mint mills were constructed nearby, the tower served as an observation point and was known as the notomy tower. At the beginning of the sixteenth century, its proximity to the convent and hospital of San Francesco led to it being called the tower of San Francesco. The structure’s identity shifted with the urban landscape around it, reflecting the changing functions of Florence’s defensive network.
What you see
The tower stands as an isolated structure in the middle of Piazza Piave, surrounded by the Circonvallazione streets. Its medieval form survives within the modern urban fabric, offering a tangible connection to Florence’s fortified past.
Cultural significance
The Tower of the Mint represents a fragment of Florence’s defensive system, a period when walls and gates controlled access to the city. Its isolation today underscores how urban development has transformed the medieval perimeter into scattered monuments within the contemporary street plan.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza Piave, 50122 Firenze
- Coordinates: 43.7663566, 11.2684623
- Website: http://musefirenze.it/blog/torredellazecca/
- Phone: +39 055 2768224 – +39 055 2768558
Practical information
The tower is visible from the street in Piazza Piave. Opening hours and admission details are available through the official website or by phone.
Getting there
The tower is located at the intersection of Circonvallazione streets in Piazza Piave, near the Lungarno della Zecca Vecchia. Check local transport routes to reach this eastern section of Florence’s city center.
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