Piazza della Calza

Piazza della Calza is immediately behind the city gate Porta Romana, bordered by the walls of Florence - the still well-preserved section of Viale Petrarca and the perimeter wall of the Boboli Gardens. 

Via dei Serragli and Via Romana converge on the square, which is now heavily trafficked. The building that divides the two streets bears a pediment at the top, the work of the artist Mario Romoli, to whom Mayor Piero Bargellini entrusted the decoration, following a public competition, in 1953. The fresco is called Life of Florence and depicts various characters from Florence's past and 20th century who contributed to making the city great

Among the architectural and artistic elements of note is obviously the Porta Romana, founded in 1328 and of imposing dimensions, being the second largest in the entire circle of walls.

On the front of the square is also the Convent della Calza building, which is what gives the place its name. In fact, the hood of the Ingesuati monks, who resided here, was shaped like a stocking (calza in Italian). The complex is very interesting for the presence of a Cenacle frescoed by Franciabigio with scenes from the Last Supper.