Urban Layout of Florence

May 20, 2013 14:30

From 1493, what is now considered the "Historical Center" of Florence was completely surrounded by walls. When Florence replaced Turin as the capital of Italy in 1865, there were about 120,000 inhabitants in the city. However, the city had to accommodate for some 20,000 additional governmental employees. Thus, something had to be done and portions of the old medieval walls were removed.

Giuseppe Poggi, and Italian architect, was primarily responsible for reshaping (or destroying in some people's eyes) the old medieval city. During this time, many piazzas were created including the Piazza della Repubblica where there is a large arch inscribed with "The ancient centre of the city / restored from age-old squalor / to new life". The arch is dated 1865.

Many buildings in the new area outside of the old city walls reflect a modern European neoclassical style. These elegant buildings were built for the new government employees that moved to Florence while the city served as Italy's capital.

While on our walking tour this afternoon, we made a visit to an old prison of Florence. Although some old prison doors have been left in these buildings for historical context, they are now used as stores and renovated apartments. This is just one of the many examples of how the urban space of Florence has changed and adapted over the years.

We also walked past the headquarters of La Nazione, the main newspaper of Florence.