The memory and culture of the Renaissance slowed down Liberty architecture from the beginning, which had a certain difficulty in developing in Florence. Both the Florentine people and important critics considered the new buildings whimsical, invasive and not in line with the city of Florence.

The pressure exerted dissuaded the authorities from granting building permits in the historic center of Florence and walking through Florence on the trail of Liberty is today an evocative experience, which reveals a different face of the city.

The “Liberty Style” was renamed “Modern Style” by the Florentines, and stood out in architecture for its sinuous and flowing lines, convex balconies, round windows alternating with square or rectangular ones, all in perfect harmony and balance.

Wrought iron vines and floral and plant elements characterized railings, fences and gates, while friezes, festoons with garlands, pilaster strips, masks, eagles and dragons in artificial stone and plaster, together with the precious artistic ceramics of Galileo Chini, enriched the surface of the facades.

Later renamed Florentine Liberty, the movement soon ended its brilliant albeit brief season, leaving however some important examples in various areas of the city: the Vichi Home-gallery in Borgo Ognissanti, a rare example of verticalism where the use of innovative materials such as artificial stone, steel and glass, enrich refined details and ornaments. A rare example of Liberty in the heart of the city are the Pola and Todescan warehouses in Brunelleschi street. And, outside the center as the Superintendence wanted, the Lampredi Cottage in Piazza Tasso, the Uzielli Cottage in Piazza d’Azeglio and the Ravazzini Cottage in Scipione Ammirato Street next to the Broggi Caraceni Cottage, characterized by soft lines and naturalistic decorations. Galileo Chini wanted his home-studio in Ghirlandaio Street, enhanced by Klimtian motifs and bas-reliefs and a glass window with geometric motifs.

In addition to the buildings, you can also admire hidden and refined details in some interiors: the decorated ceilings of the Hotel Helvetia & Bristol and the Hotel St. Regis are true jewels of style.

It is an invitation to look at Florence with new eyes, discovering how this city has evolved over time, remaining a crossroads of creativity and beauty in every era.