Florence in the 1800s: The Capital and The Grand Tour

It is often overlooked that Florence for six years, between 1865 to 1871 was the capital of the young nation-state of Italy formed in 1861. This short period of time was marked by profound social and economic changes. At the time, Florence was celebrated as the cultural capital of Italy, with its vast historical heritage, theatres, reading rooms and literary circles.

Florence was being transformed and modernized through urban demolition and reconstructions, shown through creations such as those of architect Giuseppe Poggi. Some felt this evolution was erasing Florence’s picturesque, medieval and renaissance profile. All of this was simultaneously taking place as great turmoil aroused in Florence, the city became overpopulated and thus the price to live in the new capital became a challenge.

Since the reign of the Austrian Lorraine Grand Dukes, Florence opened to the world, with its cosmopolitan character and increasing number of foreign communities. These foreigners formed a fundamental component of the city’s life. Some chose Florence as their elected residence, to them, Florence was a dream developed at home, fantasized through travel, books and prints.

Join this fascinating walking tour that revives ‘old Florence’ through aristocratic promenades or the more popular paths, following the steps of the King Vittorio Emanuele II and retracing the routes and perspectives of the foreign residents, writers and artists.

What we’ll do: 

Are you ready to travel to 1800 Florence? On this tour, prepare to experience Florence through new eyes in the fresh air, understanding the influence this time period had on Florence as we know it today. 

• We begin at Piazza Ognissanti; this area, by the Lungarni, was preferred by the foreigners during their stay in Florence.
• Continuing to the Oltrarno: (depending on availability and opening hours) visiting the Romanelli sculptor studio/ The Browning’s home Casa Guidi; the church of Santa Felicita with painter Ciseri’s Killing of the Maccabees/St. Mark’s Evangelical Church; the Pitti palace.
• Returning through Via Tornabuoni: The Jockey Club – at Doney’s, the cosmopolitan reading room founded by Gian Pietro Viesseux.
• Then on to Piazza Signoria: during the years when Florence was the capital of Italy it was home to the House of Representatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senate.
• Coming to Santa Croce: The completion of the neo-gothic facade and Dante’s statue.
• Then to Piazza Repubblica: going through the old market to the historical cafés.
• On to the Duomo: Where we cover the contests for the completion of the Neo-gothic facade of the Cathedral.
• Then to San Lorenzo: Exploring the new market close to the railway station and Carlo Lorenzini ‘father’ of Pinocchio
• Our tour ends at Santa Maria Novella or ‘Mecca’ as it was used to be called by the foreigners.

** a small supplementary fee could entail if there is the desire or opportunity to enter a church or historical venue. (Not included in the tour price)