Florence Underground

I recently had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, to fulfill an art history credit. And let me tell you, there's no better classroom than the streets of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance! My course was like an open-air city tour—every weekday morning, I explored the city's rich history and breathtaking architecture on a three-hour walk. By the end of my trip, I even found myself teaching the locals something new every day!

In this series, I'll be diving into all the wonderful and fascinating things I learned about this magical city. From its ancient origins to its vibrant culture today, Florence has layers upon layers of history waiting to be uncovered.

A City Built on History

Did you know that today's Florence is actually built above an ancient Roman city named Florentia? Founded in 59 B.C. as a military camp along the Arno River, Florentia blossomed—quite literally, since its name is derived from the word "floral," reflecting its establishment during the spring season (similar to Florida in the USA).

As time passed, Florentia became a bustling hub for business and trade. Only Roman citizens were allowed to live within the city walls, while merchants and visitors stayed outside. Though the walls no longer exist, you can see where they used to stand, which is highlighted in the picture below. (This map can be found in Florence's Piazza della Repubblica.)

Mapping Out Ancient Florentia

The forum, which lay beneath Piazza della Repubblica, was the city's heart. Initially a marketplace, it became a center for political and religious gatherings. The two major roads- the Cardo Maximus and Decumanus Maximus- intersected at a right angle at the center of the forum, marked by the Column of Abundance. These roads divided the city into blocks, or "insulae," bordered by sturdy city walls to protect against invasions.

The Evolution of Beliefs

Florentia's original religion was Paganism, and early Christians faced persecution. It's fascinating to see how the tides turned over the centuries, with Christianity eventually becoming the dominant religion that, in turn, persecuted Pagans. The main temple, which once stood beneath the baptistery, was adorned with a sacred altar.

Noteworthy Landmarks

One of the most intriguing aspects of ancient Florentia was its attention to public life. The theater, which could hold about 15,000 spectators, was inspired by Greek design and located underneath Piazza della Signoria. It hosted music, poetry, and dance performances that communicated religious beliefs. Tours of the theater excavation can be taken through Palazzo Vecchio; more info is listed below!

Unlike the theater, which was exclusive to the wealthy, the amphitheater welcomed all social classes to its gladiator games held outside the city walls—just in case any wild animals escaped!

And then there were the bathhouses, a cornerstone of Roman hygiene. Public and private baths were a must for cleanliness and health, with everyone except slaves having access. It’s a bit ironic, considering how vital hygiene was for preventing plagues. You can check out remnants of the old bathhouses in Brunelleschi Hotel's Pagliazza Tower; more info is below!

On the street, along the eastern wall, you can see a golden outline where the watchtower used to be.

Although the gold outlines in the photo below might look like an ancient remnant, they actually mark spaces allocated for street art rather than historical sites.

Exploring Florentia Today

If you’re ever in Florence and want to step back in time, several parts of ancient Florentia’s ruins can still be explored today.

Stay tuned for more stories and secrets from Florence’s past!