This year Cassa di Risparmio di San Miniato, member of the Italian Historic Companies Association, joined the fifteenth edition of the initiative “Invitation to the Palace”, promoted by the Italian Banking Association and sponsored by the Ministry of Heritage, Cultural Activities and Tourism, and by the Ministry of Education, University and Research, under the high patronage of the President of the Republic.
On Saturday, October 1st more than two hundred palaces were accessible to the public, the historic headquarters of more than fifty banks and foundations, scattered throughout Italy in many different cities.
The opening of the palaces strengthen the bond with the territory and is a gesture of good will towards those who wish to learn more about the unique and inimitable architectural landmarks and pictorial works of art of their own country.
The previous editions have always been successful in terms of visitors (whose number is currently around one million), who enthusiastically crossed the doors of the palaces, thus stepping in the centre of their country’s economic power.
Great interest was aroused by the numerous and marvellous works of art preserved inside the facilities, admired by art experts and enthusiasts.
Palazzo Formichini (XVI century), headquarters of San Miniato Savings Bank, safeguards, among others, artworks by Lorenzo Bicci, Ventura Salimbeni, Jacopo Chimenti (also known as “l’Empoli”), Cigoli, and Guercino. Half a millennium after its construction, the noble building, for its structure and its history, is considered one of the precious architectural jewels of Tuscany.
Free guided tours from 10 am to 7 pm.
