On Tuesday 19 January 2021 at 12 noon, Mr Dario NARDELLA, Mayor of Florence, and Mr Philippe BAUDRY, DG of ARTEA, presented the project for the reconversion and transformation of Sant'Orsola at a virtual press conference.
Within the framework of a consultation with the Metropolitan City of Florence, the ARTEA Group was selected to rehabilitate the Sant'Orsola site with the signature of a concession contract granting it the use of the site for 50 years.
The complex of Sant'Orsola is a former convent of the 14th century built around 3 large courtyards, with a total area of about 17,000 m2.
Located in the heart of Florence, Sant'Orsola is close to the Mercato Centrale di Firenze, the main station Santa Maria-Novella, Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica San Lorenzo, and the Medici Chapels.
From the first visit to the site almost two years ago, ARTEA was seduced by the beauty and poetry of the place. This complex also offers fantastic potential, particularly thanks to its organization around the three courtyards.
In cooperation with the City of Florence and under the patronage of the Mayor Mr. Dario NARDELLA, ARTEA will revive the Sant'Orsola complex by creating a real living space offering a range of uses and activities (of public and private interest).
Indeed, Sant'Orsola is a jewel dear to the heart of the Florentines, and that is why ARTEA has imagined a 100% Florentine project where Sant'Orsola is open to the city.
As a priority, Sant'Orsola will be home to facilities of public interest that aim to bring new services to the inhabitants of the district and the city:
In a complementary way, facilities of private interests:
All the facilities and services offered aim to meet the needs and desires of its visitors as closely as possible. Thus, anyone staying at Sant'Orsola will be able to: meet & share, learn & work, be inspired & entertained, eat & rest.
Seduced by the special atmosphere and ambience that reigns in Sant'Orsola, ARTEA will draw inspiration from the many transformations of the building over the centuries to design a renovation that both respects the identity of the place and enhances the works being renovated.