Florence is not just about Renaissance masterpieces and great names; it is also a treasure of curiosities and hidden mysteries that can add a touch of magic to every corner. Among these, stands out a singular anomaly that has captured the attention of anyone passing through Piazza della Santissima Annunziata for centuries: a window that is never closed.
This famous window, linked to an ancient and touching legend, is more than just an architectural detail; it is a symbol of the romantic and tragic heart of Florence.
Why do the owners of a prestigious Renaissance palace keep a frame perpetually wide open, defying the elements? It is precisely this mystery, suspended between history and myth, that intrigues visitors so much and deserves to be unveiled.
Where is the always open window of Florence
To admire this singular testimony of the past, one must head to one of the most elegant and harmonious squares in Florence: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata.
The window is located on the facade of Palazzo Grifoni (now also known as Palazzo Budini Gattai), a magnificent building whose construction was completed in the heart of the Renaissance, in the sixteenth century. Characterized by an austere yet elegant structure, the palace dominates the right corner of the square. The “always open window” is precisely located on the second floor of the palace, in the last lateral bay of the facade, and is the only one that has never been closed, standing out from the rest of the imposing and rigorous architecture.
The legend of the always open window
The reason why this window remains eternally wide open is encapsulated in one of the most poignant love stories of Florence, a story that adds charm and depth to this place.
The legend of the always open window in Florence tells of a young bride who lived in the palace in the seventeenth century, whose husband, a knight or soldier, was called to go to war. The woman, leaning out of that window, saw him leave. For days, months, and years, the woman waited for his return, keeping the window wide open so that her husband, upon his return, could see the light and the way home. Unfortunately, the man never returned, but the wife did not give up and died on the threshold of the same window, with her gaze fixed on the road.
When the family tried to close the fixture after her death, the legend says that a violent storm broke out inside the room and objects began to fall, a sign that the spirit of the woman could not bear the darkness. Since then, to placate the spirit of the waiting bride and out of respect for this eternal love, the window has remained permanently open.
Do you want to discover all the mysteries and hidden curiosities that Florence does not reveal to everyone?
If you are ready to explore the Renaissance not only through the great museums but also through the most fascinating legends and the secret anecdotes of the city, contact me! I can organize for you a guided tour in Florence that will lead you to discover many magical corners and stories that only an expert guide can reveal to you.
