On September 25, 26 and 27, the former convent of Sant’Orsola came back to life.
A vast space stretching 5,000 square metres above the ground and a massive 17,000 square metres across three subterranean levels, Sant’Orsola (and the San Lorenzo neighbourhood) hosted The City Inside San Lorenzo – St’o Aperto project, a three-day international journey of readings, jazz and classical music, theatre, neighbourhood-centric photography exhibitions and a sound installation saw an influx of people and interest in a site mired in red tape and uncertainty.
Despite the runaway success of the reopening, the threat of a lack of future development still looms over Sant’Orsola as the provincial administration of Florence is on the verge of shutting down the call for tenders for the historic building’s regeneration. It is hoped that the recent vibrant cultural event will result in the presentation of proposals to give the city’s hidden gem the makeover it needs and deserves.
To get involved in the Sant’Orsola Project, in collaboration with Fondazione Studio Marangoni, email santorsolaproject@gmail.com.
Follow The Florentine updates about the Sant’Orsola Project at theflr.net/santorsola.
