Via Maggio's particular charm

[...] The ground floor of almost every one of this noble buildings, the English church being one of the few exceptions, was a showroom for antiques or reproductions, built or restored in the small workshop in the narrow streets and alleys leading off the Via Maggio. Some specialized in Florentine mirrors, some in chandeliers, or ornate, spindly salon furnitures; the grander shops recreated a whole stage sets in their windows, Renaissance drawing rooms complete with frescoes and birdcages and classical statuary; others were stuffed with junk.
Frances had never once seen a customer in any of these shops ...


Kent, C., A Party in San Niccolò, Penguin, London, 2003