Casa di Galileo Galilei (House of Galileo Galilei on Costa San Giorgio), Florence
This remarkable residence tied to the life of the renowned astronomer and physicist, situated in the historic Oltrarno district, was part of a group of homes acquired by the Galilei family. Galileo himself helped purchase it as a wedding gift for his son in 1629. His name remained on the deeds, and he appears to have lived there for extended periods during his final years, cared for by his son鈥檚 household. At some point, he also bought the neighboring house.
The home is easily identifiable thanks to its decorative facade, which features a coat of arms of the Galilei family and a frescoed medallion portrait of Galileo, as well as a commemorative marble plaque marking a visit from Grand Duke Ferdinand II. Adding to the property鈥檚 historical value, a sundial attributed to Galileo himself still exists on the rear facade of the building. Installed around 1620, this timekeeping instrument reflects Galileo鈥檚 keen interest in astronomical tools and measurements.
Although the scientist is more famously associated with his later residence, the Jewel Villa in Arcetri, the Costa San Giorgio house carries deep historical resonance, particularly for those interested in his Florentine years and family life. One fascinating anecdote tied to it dates back to May 1633, during a time when the plague was sweeping through Florence. In a bid to protect the city, the revered image of the Madonna of Impruneta was carried in a solemn procession through the streets. Galileo鈥檚 house was decorated for the occasion with an elaborate altar inside the doorway and an original fountain, so striking that it was believed to be one of his inventions. Interestingly, at this very time, Galileo was in Rome, facing the Inquisition in a trial that would ultimately lead to his lifetime house confinement.
The home is easily identifiable thanks to its decorative facade, which features a coat of arms of the Galilei family and a frescoed medallion portrait of Galileo, as well as a commemorative marble plaque marking a visit from Grand Duke Ferdinand II. Adding to the property鈥檚 historical value, a sundial attributed to Galileo himself still exists on the rear facade of the building. Installed around 1620, this timekeeping instrument reflects Galileo鈥檚 keen interest in astronomical tools and measurements.
Although the scientist is more famously associated with his later residence, the Jewel Villa in Arcetri, the Costa San Giorgio house carries deep historical resonance, particularly for those interested in his Florentine years and family life. One fascinating anecdote tied to it dates back to May 1633, during a time when the plague was sweeping through Florence. In a bid to protect the city, the revered image of the Madonna of Impruneta was carried in a solemn procession through the streets. Galileo鈥檚 house was decorated for the occasion with an elaborate altar inside the doorway and an original fountain, so striking that it was believed to be one of his inventions. Interestingly, at this very time, Galileo was in Rome, facing the Inquisition in a trial that would ultimately lead to his lifetime house confinement.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Casa di Galileo Galilei (House of Galileo Galilei on Costa San Giorgio) on Map
Sight Name: Casa di Galileo Galilei (House of Galileo Galilei on Costa San Giorgio)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Florence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Florence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dante's Florence Walking Tour
Dante Alighieri was arguably the greatest 鈥� albeit also most controversial 鈥� of Italy's poets. After having served as one of the six priors governing Florence, his political activities 鈥� including the banishing of several rivals 鈥� led to his own banishment, upon which he wrote his masterpiece, 鈥淭he Divine Comedy鈥�, as a wanderer, seeking protection for his family in one town after... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Duomo Walking Tour
Right in the heart of historic Florence lies the Duomo district鈥攖he city's religious and civic core, and one of the most remarkable places in all of Italy. Between the Duomo and Signoria squares, Florence unfolds in layers of art, history, and architectural brilliance, offering a never-ending stream of things to see, do, and admire.
At the center of it all stands the Florence Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
At the center of it all stands the Florence Cathedral,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Florence Introduction Walking Tour
Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar as a settlement for his veteran soldiers. Laid out like a Roman military camp, its main roads intersected at what is now the Republic Square. Originally named Fluentia, referencing its location between two rivers, the city later adopted the name Florentia, meaning 鈥渇lowering鈥� or 鈥渇lourishing鈥�.
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
And flourish it did. During the Middle Ages and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Arno South Bank Walking Tour
The area south of the Arno River鈥攌nown as Oltrarno, or 鈥淏eyond the Arno鈥濃�攐ffers a quieter, more intimate side of Florence, but one that鈥檚 no less captivating. It鈥檚 here that you鈥檒l find the grand Pitti Palace, home to a painting collection rivaled only by the Uffizi Gallery, and the expansive Boboli Gardens, once the private domain of the Medici and later, the royal family. As one of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Florence Food Tour
Food is one of the great Florentine passions, and the great thing about having a delicious authentic Tuscan meal, a snack, delicatessen, or a quality gelato here 鈥� besides the abundant variety 鈥� is not having to spend a lot of money for it.
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
In general, the 鈥渙sterias鈥� and the eateries nestled in Sant鈥橝mbrogio Market will offer cheaper and more casual food with an emphasis on home... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Michelangelo's Masterpieces Walking Tour
Though born in the small Tuscan town of Caprese, Michelangelo spent over two decades of his life in Florence鈥攖he heart of the Renaissance. It was here that he grew up, was educated, and began shaping his artistic voice, eventually creating some of the most iconic masterpieces the city has ever known.
His larger-than-life work鈥斺�淒avid鈥濃�攄idn鈥檛 just reshape the image of biblical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
His larger-than-life work鈥斺�淒avid鈥濃�攄idn鈥檛 just reshape the image of biblical... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Unique Products to Buy in Florence
Compared to other Italian "grands" like Rome, Venice, or Milan, Florence is relatively less-known to an outsider for any local products, save, perhaps, Florentine mosaics and Fiorentina FC. Fortunately, there are tonnes of locally-originated things that this Italian city is rightfully...
Florence's Tasty Coffee Shop Guide
The caffe scene throughout Italy is an important factor of everyday life. People will pop in to their favorite bar on their way to work for a quick espresso breakfast with a pastry, they鈥檒l grab a slice of pizza for lunch or drop by for an aperitivo before dining out and take a peaceful digestivo...
Top 14 Pubs in Florence
Florence, the city of art and beauty has no problem in mastering the art of the nightlife as well. Local pubs are very popular and appreciated among the Florentines and the tourists. Locals and native English speakers that study or live in the city cannot wait to welcome tourists in their cozy...