Florence’s Sant’Orsola complex to be fully accessible by 2028

The redevelopment of the former Sant’Orsola complex in central Florence is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, following a 32-month construction period aimed at making the historic site fully accessible to the public.

The timeline emerged after a joint inspection by the urban planning commission of the Comune di Firenze (the Municipality of Florence) and representatives of the Città Metropolitana di Firenze, the supra-municipal authority that manages strategic assets across the wider metropolitan area.

New artisan spaces opening soon

While full completion is still several years away, officials said that some areas will become operational in the near future. Thanks to recent property acquisitions by the Metropolitan City, spaces intended for artisan activities and services linked to both current and future residential use are close to being ready.

The project is presented as part of a broader strategy to strengthen everyday life in Florence’s historic centre, an area that has seen growing pressure from tourism and short-term rentals in recent years.

50-year management agreement

Under the current plan, the complex will be managed for 50 years by Artea, with an investment of approximately €31.5 million. In addition, the operator will pay an annual fee of €125,000, reduced to 10% during the construction phase.

The redevelopment is expected to include:

• a public library
• workshops for traditional and artistic crafts, such as goldsmithing, leatherwork and ceramics
• a training and professional development centre
• an art and restoration school
• other neighbourhood-oriented services

Background: a long-awaited regeneration

The Sant’Orsola complex, located near the San Lorenzo area in the historic centre, has long been one of Florence’s most prominent disused sites. Over the years it has been the subject of several redevelopment proposals, reflecting wider debates about housing, tourism and the future of the city centre.

City officials link the current project to other recent measures adopted in Florence’s urban planning framework, including tighter rules on short-term rentals and new regulations aimed at ensuring public benefits from private real estate investments.

If the announced schedule is respected, the complex should be fully open and accessible to residents and visitors by the end of 2028, marking a significant step in the regeneration of one of Florence’s most symbolic abandoned sites.

❤️ Support Florence Daily News

If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.

We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.

Donate securely via Stripe below.