There’s a new place to eat and hang out by the station, Corte Reale opened its gates on April 28.
Corte Reale: a beautiful space with “The Arno and its Valley” statue by Italo Griselli ph. ©2016 Helen Farrell / The Florentine
An extension of the popular Reale Firenze bar, situated in the Palazzina Reale building designed by Giovanni Michelucci, by platform 16 of Santa Maria Novella station, the new outdoor space features eight street food stands. Gelato from Vivoli, fried treats from Scottadito, Chianina beefburgers from La Toraia, Roman-style tomato-less pizza from Pizza Pig, Sicilian arancini from LuBar, fish dishes from Panini di Mare, Romagnol flatbreads from Piada and the best of buffalo mozzarella from Belluguaglion. A 24-metre curvaceous bar finishes the piazza serving fresh fruit cocktails and craft beer by Fabbrica di Pedavena. DJ-sets and live concerts will be held regularly, as well as cooking shows, workshops and tastings.
Street food by the pool
Food and drink aside, what’s impressive is the striking beauty of the space. The eye is immediately drawn to the statue The Arno and its Valley by Italo Griselli, while the soul is soothed by the sound of the bubbling fountains and pools.
It is hoped that the new space will contribute to the overall renewal of the long blighted station area. Grande Stazioni S.p.A., the company that manages Italy’s main railway stations, and Elite Club Vacanze, a tourism group that holds an investment in the successful Mercato Centrale Firenze are the companies behind the Corte Reale project.
More street food delights…
In a press release, managing director of ECV Group Claudio Cardini stated, “People will be drawn to this location, a veritable monument, out of curiosity, which is capable of condensing quality food, events and the creative professions.”
Corte Reale is open daily from 12 noon to 2am.
