December 2011 page 16
Stefano Barbolini
Giovanni Garofalo
Guido Dresti
Rosario Mosello

The Sundial of the Certosa of Florence (Tuscany, Italy) Restored to Working Condition

This article details the restoration of a pinhole sundial at the Certosa of Florence. The meridian line served as a calendar and true local noon marker. Investigations revealed inconsistencies, leading to the conclusion that the dial correctly determined the spring equinox, vital for calculating Easter, reflecting its religious institution setting. Historical interventions, possibly by astronomer G.B. Donati, are also discussed.
Dials: Noon Lines, Equation of Time, Historical Dials, Restoration projects

March 2008 page 3
Stefano Barbolini
Guido Dresti
Giovanni Garofalo
Rosario Mosello

The Sundial at the Pitti Palace in Florence

This article details the restoration and description of a 1696 pinhole sundial in Florence's Pitti Palace, designed by Vincenzo Viviani. It served for astronomical observations and calendar functions, notably for determining Easter. The piece also explores its historical context within the Medici court and its allegorical frescoes.
Restoration projects, Historical Dials, Dials: Noon Lines

March 2007 page 33
Stefano Barbolini
Guido Dresti
Frank King
Rosario Mosello

The sundial in La Specola Museum, Florence

This paper describes the pinhole sundial in the Grand-Ducal Astronomical Observatory (La Specola) in Florence. It covers the observatory's history, the sundial's design as a string-gnomon meridian line, its restoration in 2005, and a comparison of measured zodiac point positions with calculated values. It highlights the instrument's historical importance for astronomical studies and calendar reform.
Dials: Noon Lines, Historical Dials, How Sundials Work, Restoration projects