Explore the small square of Piazza Santa Elisabetta which is home to an intriguing tower once known as ‘Torre della Pagliazza’. The building is now part of the Brunelleschi hotel complex but dates back to Roman times and is a hidden piece of history from Florence’s past.

It is said that the tower was erected between the 6th and 7th centuries and was thought to be part of a Roman wall before being turned into a female prison during the 12th century. This was when the tower was given the name ‘Pagliazza’ which referred to the uncomfortable pallets (basic beds) in the prisoner’s living quarters made of rough and stinging straw. Later the prison was renovated to host religious acts and was home to Saint Michael’s Church and the Visitation Church.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that the building was then transformed into the Giglio Hotel which eventually closed causing the building to fall into disrepair, until the 1980’s when it was renovated by the National Insurance Institute.