Florence Pictures | Historical Center | santa-maria-novella | Obelisk on the square
The square of Santa Maria Novella was used by Cosimo I for the yearly chariot race (Palio dei Cocchi), a custom that existed from 1563 until the late 19th century.
The two obelisks marked the start and finish of the race, set up to imitate a Roman circus. The obelisks rest on bronze tortoises, made in 1608 by the sculptor Giambologna.
