Other Real Estate Heritage

In addition to the its headquarters in the monumental complex, the Institute owns a substantial real estate portfolio thanks to bequests and donations consisting of numerous buildings and plots both in Florence and its province (Borgo San Lorenzo, Campi Bisenzio, Fiesole, Figline Valdarno, Reggello and Impruneta). Some properties are subject to restrictions by the Superintendence, given their historical and architectural value.

Florence

In the municipality of Florence, the Institute's other real estate properties can be mainly found within the historical centre and its immediate surroundings. These properties consist of 10 residential buildings, 2 offices and 2 commercial premises. The state of conservation of these properties is such that their regular use is possible.

Main properties in the province of Florence

Borgo San Lorenzo (Località La Brocchi) - La Brocchi Village

The La Brocchi Village was established in 2004 and consists of 5 buildings, including the Villa, formerly the Rocca di Lutiano, renovated in the early 2000s. The work included architectural recovery, through restoring and consolidating the various buildings, with renovation of the courtyards, access routes, green areas and the park. The project envisaged an integrated design between residential and spaces for social activity. In the former farmhouse and barn, and in the outbuildings, immigrant families with children, often refugees, are accommodated. General guidance, training and support to find work are available to them for their true integration. In the Villa, including the former orangerie and the former chapel, spaces are used for educational activities. The centre organises training courses and cultural events. There is seminars and group activities.

An intercultural documentation centre is also operating in the Village also a multi-ethnic restaurant called ‘Ethnos’, a vehicle for further multicultural integration through food.

Campi Bisenzio (Via Giusti 7) – Canapè Centre

This property, a recently constructed building with a regular geometry, has two floors above ground, plus a front and a back garden. It is managed by the non-profit social cooperative Macramè, which performs educational functions in the pursuit of the community’s general interest: promotion of humankind and social integration of citizens through social welfare and humanitarian, cultural, recreational and leisure activities. The building consists of premises used as daytime drop-in centres for minors, with a kitchen and a canteen, rooms for school and after-school support, laboratories, offices, a gymnasium and a bar.

Fiesole (Via Delle Fontanelle) – Villa ‘La Torraccia’

The building complex known as 'La Torraccia' is composed of the historical 16th-century villa, subsequently modified in the 19th century to assume its current appearance. The complex has also other buildings, such as the keeper's apartment, a cottage, two auditoriums and the greenhouses. To the south-west of the villa lies the historical Italian Garden as well as a large park surrounded by tall trees, with internal driveways and pedestrian paths connecting the various buildings to the entrance on the public street. The entire building complex is leased to the Foundation of the Fiesole School of Music that is headquartered there. For years, the School has been a point of reference in the panorama of musical education for all ages.

Other properties in the province of Florence

Borgo San Lorenzo

In the municipality of Borgo San Lorenzo, in addition to the La Brocchi Village, the Institute owns seven farmsteads, located in La Brocchi and Polcanto. These farms are called: ‘Podere Tirignana’ (3 dwellings plus warehouses), ‘Podere Villa’, (1 dwelling plus outbuildings), ‘Podere Il Prato’ (3 dwellings plus warehouses), ‘Podere Liutiano vecchio’ (1 dwelling plus warehouses), ‘Podere Liutiano nuovo’ (4 dwellings plus warehouses), and ‘Podere Croce and Montecaroso’ (2 dwellings plus outbuildings).

Reggello

In the municipality of Reggello, the Institute owns four farmsteads, called ‘Podere Casanova’ (1 dwelling plus outbuilding), ‘Podere località Montanino’ (2 dwellings plus outbuildings and a warehouse), ‘Podere località Catigliano’ (3 houses plus outbuildings), and ‘Podere località Capaccio’ (2 houses plus a warehouse). The prevailing state of conservation of the farmsteads in Reggello and Borgo San Lorenzo is such that most of the properties are not fit for use without thorough renovation.

Figline Valdarno

In the municipality of Figline Valdarno, the Institute owns a complex within the historical centre, consisting of 9 residential units, 3 premises for commercial use, plus cellars.

The property has recently been totally renovated, with building restoration work.

Impruneta

In the municipality of Impruneta, the Institute owns 2 residential units and 2 properties for commercial use, all in good condition.

The properties outside Florence include 344 hectares approximately of land, mainly located in the Valdarno area between Reggello, Figline, Pian di Sco', and in the Mugello area between Borgo San Lorenzo and Scarperia.