In the 17th century, the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Phillip Neri in Rome arrived at Firenze when Pope Urban VIII presented them with a plot of land in “Piazza San Firenze” that included a church of the same name. The Oratorians or Philippians Fathers had the mission of building a large complex on the spot. The “Complesso di San Firenze” is located in front of the “Palazzo Gondi” that has it posterior facing the “Piazza della Signoria”.
The “Complesso di San Firenze” was to have a convent, church and oratory. For the project, tower-houses and the pre-existing church of “San Firenze”, a 12th-century Romanesque brick temple, were demolished. The complex was completed by the end of the 18th century.
Although it is said that the complex is a Baroque-style building, the facade transparently links the three structures, united but at the same time separate, from the Church and the Oratory. These former the corners of the complex, the convent or former seminary remaining in the center.
Today, a Court of Justice occupies the central floor. The Church still operates in every capacity. The “Oratorio” due to its great acoustics is used for concerts and other similar events. The “Complesso di San Firenze” is located in front of the “Palazzo Gondi” .
