LOGGIA OF MERCATO NUOVO.
In a straight line with Mercato Nuovo is the
Via Calimara, adjacent to the Mercato Vecchio. The ap¬
pellation of Calimara or Calimala, is supposed to be derived
from Callis Malus, on account of the dangers of Commerce.
— This is still the most central part of the old lown, and has
been the residence of most of the richest woolmongers.-
By the side of Calimara’s issue in Mercato'Nuovo is that
of the.
Via di Baccano, probably so called from the baccanali (bac¬
chanals) of the Carnival days, if not from the noise caused
by the great concourse at its numerous shops. It was also
called Via dei Cavalcanti, from the name of a family who
resided and had their Loggia there. Amongst these shops
was the Medici’s Bank and the jeweller’s Atelier of Bernardo
Cennini, who lived shortly after the invention of the print,
and easily improved that art in Florence. A portion of this
street is called:
Via del Garbo, in honor and memory of the family del
Garbo, to whom belong two celebrated doctors in medecine,
Dino e Tommaso. — The best cloth here manifactured was
known as panno garbo, which has so, through its reputation,
added another word to the italian language: uomo di garbo,
yet remains as a synonym for an honest and well bred man.
Opposite the Loggie di Mercato Nuovo and close to the wild¬
boars fountain is the.
Via Calimaruzza, parallel to the Via di Baccano. Foreign
cloth was there improved; and the Consols of this trade, and
those of the Money Changers resided where can still are seen
their ensigns. This street, as well as Vacchereccia, leads to
the Piazza del Granduca.