Calza Square

Piazza della Calza lies immediately inside Porta Romana, bounded by Florence’s walls: the well-preserved section along Viale Petrarca and the perimeter wall of the Boboli Gardens. Via dei Serragli and Via Romana meet at this busy square. High on the building dividing the streets is a painted pediment by Mario Romoli. Mayor Piero Bargellini commissioned its decoration following a public competition in 1953. The fresco, Life of Florence, depicts figures from the city’s earlier history and the twentieth century who helped make it great. Among the notable architectural and artistic features is Porta Romana itself, begun in 1328. Its imposing size makes it the second-largest gate in the entire circuit of walls. The Convento della Calza also faces the square and gives it its name: the hood worn by the Jesuate monks who lived here resembled a stocking, or calza. The complex is particularly interesting for its refectory fresco by Franciabigio depicting the Last Supper.