Oltrarno. Borgo San Frediano. Santo Spirito.
Inevitably, these names recall a cultural and artistic heritage that is unique in the world.
Here, where the Florentine way of life can still be found, is located a building complex dating to 1600, Palazzo Salviati. It hosts the Istituto Gould as well as the Foresteria Valdese di Firenze , a beautiful Italian garden and a church.
Among the premises managed by the Foresteria, the Aula Magna (the Great Hall) deserves special mention. Situated on the first floor of the palazzo, the Aula Magna is a large monumental room with a coffered ceiling, illuminated by windows giving onto the interior garden. The room is adorned with four large paintings by Marcantonio Angiolelli, which were commissioned by Prince Giovan Carlo de’ Medici and which once formed part of the palazzo’s famous collection of paintings.
This charming space is the ideal location for hosting events of various kinds: conferences, meetings, training courses, workshops, cultural activities and classical music concerts.
The Aula Magna can accommodate 99 people (seated); it is equipped with Internet access, video projectors and an audio system. In addition, it is adjacent to a bright room used for refreshments, aperitifs and coffee breaks run by the staff of the guesthouse for an extra fee. The same room hosts a small, permanent display of photographs depicting young persons at the Istituto Gould in the 1920’s. Also present are several well conserved objects of value found during maintenance and renovation work carried out at the palazzo over the course of decades.
The complex further hosts numerous events strictly connected to the Waldensian Church and Diaconia Valdese that for some time now have taken place here: from the Convegno delle Opere of the Commissione Sinodale per la Diaconia (CSD) and international meetings of volunteers, to events promoted by the Waldensian Church of Florence and those organized by the Libreria Claudiana of Florence.
It is important to mention these events because we must not forget that the complex is managed in order to support social and educational projects promoted by the Diaconia Valdese. Everyone has access to the services, without cultural or gender prejudice. They mainly benefit the elderly, young persons who find themselves in difficult situations, migrants, political refugees, women who have suffered abuse and persons with varying degrees of disability.
If you are interested in renting the Aula Magna and its related services (which can be combined with accommodation and/or meals) please contact the Reception of the
Email info@firenzeforesteria.it Phone +39 055 212576
