A major urban regeneration project is about to reshape one of the city’s most central yet overlooked areas. Fondazione CR Firenze and the Municipality of Florence have officially signed the operational agreement for Recreos, an initiative that will transform Via Palazzuolo and Via Maso Finiguerra — just steps from Santa Maria Novella train station — into a vibrant, creative, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
A new vision for the city center
The Recreos project aims to restore beauty and livability to this historic part of Florence, bringing back its traditional spirit as a district of craftsmanship and local life. The architectural redesign is led by LUCA DINI Design & Architecture, in collaboration with municipal technical offices.
Key urban features include:
- Pedestrian-first streets: the central stretch of Via Palazzuolo will be redesigned as a continuous, step-free space for walking and gathering, with reduced car traffic and increased green areas.
- New public square: Via Maso Finiguerra will become a multifunctional piazza with trees, street furniture, and outdoor activities.
- Green and sustainable materials: the project emphasizes local natural materials, vertical greenery, improved lighting, and design choices that enhance both safety and aesthetics.
- 43 renovated shopfronts: empty commercial spaces will be refurbished and offered free of charge for three years to selected artisans, with rents covered by Fondazione CR Firenze.
The response from the artisan community has already been strong: over 220 expressions of interest have been received, and around 80 preliminary interviews conducted. Applicants include visual artists, designers, traditional craft makers, and cultural project leaders. Some luxury brands are also exploring involvement.
The first Recreos Festival: June 6–8, 2025
To kick off the transformation and introduce the community to the vision of Recreos, a three-day street festival will animate Via Palazzuolo and Via Maso Finiguerra from June 6 to 8. The festival includes:
- Art exhibitions and open studiosIncluding a street art show curated by Street Levels Gallery, showcasing the artists who are also transforming the neighborhood’s shop shutters.
- Markets and creative pop-upsA collaboration with Creative Factory will bring local artisans, designers, and creators to the streets with temporary stalls and workshops.
- Music and performancesFrom a saxophone quartet concert by La Filharmonie, to a marching band, live DJs, and neighborhood performances curated by Anelli Mancanti.
- Children’s activitiesIncluding storytelling tents, interactive wooden games with Ludobus, and multicultural family events curated by Centrale dell’Arte and Eda Servizi.
- Community dinner and walksA festive open-air dinner will take place on Friday evening, followed by neighborhood walks and guided tours focused on local history and new urban art.
- Tactical urbanism installationsThe streets themselves will change: bamboo planters, lounge chairs, and temporary green spaces will create new places for rest and play. These installations will remain in place through July as a live experiment in public space transformation.
The festival will also mark the opening of “Spazio Recreos”, a new community hub at Via Orti Oricellari 6. This multifunctional space will serve as a “neighborhood concierge”, offering support and services for families, information on local programs, rotating exhibitions, and a direct link between residents and the evolving project.
With Recreos, Florence is not just restoring a street — it’s reimagining urban life in a way that blends heritage and innovation. The project promises to create a safer, greener, and more creative space for residents, artisans, and visitors alike.
