Florence Program Center

CAPA Florence is a lively place with a strong sense of community, housed in the Palazzo Galli-Tassi.

The Palazzo, formerly the Palazzo Valori, dates from 1400 and was once owned by Filippo Valori, rector of the University of Pisa and close friend of Lorenzo de Medici. Between 1865 and 1871, when Florence was the capital of Italy, the head office of the Agriculture and Commerce Ministry were housed here. The Palazzo is located in the Santa Croce area in the center of the traditional artisans' quarter. The church of Santa Croce contains the tombs and monuments of many great Florentines and the surrounding streets have a lively and attractive sense of community. It is here that you will find distinctive neighborhood shops and restoration workshops where specialists continue to repair the many books and works of art damaged in the 1966 floods.

Regular activities through the My Education (ME) program encourage interaction between students from the many institutions represented. These include outings to museums, local markets, and lectures, as well as special events such as social dinners with other international students, hikes in Tuscany, sports activities and walking tours covering lesser-known parts of the city as well as other Italian destinations.

The Florence Center has fully equipped classrooms, fine arts facilities, a faculty office, a multifunctional media room, wireless Internet access and a computer laboratory. Students live within commuting distance of the Center either in homestays with local families, in shared apartments, or in dormitories.

Common Questions About the Florence Center

Where is the CAPA Florence Center?

The CAPA Florence Center is located in an historic 15th century palazzo. It is situated in the very center of the city, just minutes from the Duomo.

Who is the local staff?

CAPA’s International Program Services Team staffs the CAPA center in Florence. They are true experts in their field, and you’ll find them to be a great resource on many local topics from the best place for a gelato, to the directions to the closest bus station.

Are there Internet facilities? Should I bring my laptop?

There are computer facilities with wireless Internet access at the CAPA center. There are many Internet cafes throughout the city. Either of these options should suffice to keep you in touch with friends and family at home. Wireless Internet access is rarely available within students’ housing. Please be advised that the computers at the CAPA center as well as at many Internet cafes are set up for basic web surfing and may be a bit slower than what you’re used to.

Bringing a laptop is a personal decision. CAPA does not require the use of a laptop for anything. If you choose to bring one, you may want to purchase additional insurance in the event that it breaks or is stolen as lost or stolen items are only covered up to a maximum of $250 with the CAPA included insurance.

Resident Director, The Florence Center

Lorenzo Ciccarelli

Lorenzo Ciccarelli was born and raised in Florence and is half Italian and half Swiss. His mother tongue is Italian, though he is fluent in German, English, French and Spanish. After attending high school in Florence, Lorenzo moved to Lucerne, Switzerland where he obtained his degree in Hotel Management. Lorenzo became a part of the CAPA Florence Center team in 2000. Prior to joining CAPA, Lorenzo worked in the Hotel Business for several years in various countries in Europe and South America.