On January 11, piazza del Carmine, long a car park for the neighbourhood, officially became a car-free zone. The transformation is part of the City of Florence’s plans to address the traffic issues on the south side of the Arno (see theflr.net/newoltrarno).
To mark the occasion, the piazza was the site of a street party for the day, with residents and tourists mingling to listen to live music and hear readings. Street artists and stilt walkers entertained and held workshops for children, and local business owners sold food and wine. The city also opened the Brancacci Chapel and walkway along the walls of Porta Romana for free.
Photo by Girl in Florence
The day before the official pedestrianization of piazza del Carmine, 300 local residents demonstrated along the narrow streets of the Oltrarno against the privatization of the Nidiaci gardens and the children’s recreation area. President of the Friends of the Nidiaci association, Miguel Martinez, commented, ‘We hadn’t expected such a good turnout; it’s a clear indication that this issue is deeply felt by the neighbourhood.’
At the end of the protest march, city councillor for local policies and heritage, Elisabetta Meucci, defended the city’s agreement with real estate firm Salvatore Leggiero: “The intention of the administration is to develop a valuable public space for the city’s identity by finding a concrete solution and a definite time scale, which will provide the Oltrarno’s children with a place to socialize and have fun.’
Over the next few months, green spaces in the Oltrarno will be renovated and measures will be undertaken to promote sustainable tourism, local handicrafts and culture.
