A lecture by Jeremy Boudreau
Our esteemed Head of Art History Jeremy Boudreau explores the layered urban history of Piazza Beccaria, tracing its evolution from a peripheral gateway defined by the 14th-century Porta alla Croce to a centerpiece of Florence’s brief tenure as the capital of Italy. We will examine the dramatic 19th-century "Risanamento" led by architect Giuseppe Poggi, who demolished the medieval walls to create the expansive neoclassical circular plaza and surrounding boulevards we see today. We will also look at the complex preservation and logistical challenges currently facing the city, as modern infrastructure projects like the new tramline extensions and upgraded water systems have revealed original medieval road pavements beneath the asphalt, sparking a vital debate on how to balance essential urban modernization with the protection of Florence’s subterranean archaeological heritage.
If you are in Florence and would like to attend the lecture in person at the British Institute Library, please register here or send an email to bif@britishinstitute.it
The registration fee is 15 Euro per person.
To join this lecture online, simply click on this link to register and receive the Zoom meeting invitation: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vorE5UiBSVeBSOY5Dc4_jw. The virtual doors will open at 18:00 Italian time on Wednesday 4th February.
The recording of the virtual lecture will be available for registered participants only. Clicking on the link above, you authorise the British Institute of Florence to use your image, name and comments.
There is no charge to attend the event on Zoom, but we ask you to consider making a donation to support the Institute and its beautiful library if you wish to attend an event.
This lecture is sponsored by Val & Gerry Ward