160 Years Since Florence Became Italy’s Capital: A City Transformed

On February 3rd, 2025, Florence marks the 160th anniversary of its proclamation as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. It was on this day in 1865 that the city officially took on the role, ushering in a period of profound transformation that would leave a lasting mark on its urban landscape and identity. Though its tenure as the capital was brief, lasting only until 1871, those years were crucial in shaping modern Florence.

The choice of Florence as the capital was not arbitrary. The city had long been a center of culture and art, and it was seen as a symbol of the Italian Renaissance. Moreover, its central location in the Italian peninsula made it a strategic choice for the new government. However, the transition was not without its challenges. The city had to be adapted to accommodate the needs of the government, and extensive urban transformations were undertaken to modernize Florence and equip it for its new role.

Urban Transformations for the Capital

Becoming the capital brought significant changes to Florence’s urban landscape. The city underwent a major restructuring, following a modernization plan inspired by the great European capitals, particularly Paris. Some of the most important interventions included:

• The demolition of the medieval walls: To make way for broader streets and facilitate urban expansion, large portions of Florence’s ancient walls were demolished. In their place, the wide Viali di Circonvallazione (boulevard ring roads) were constructed, inspired by the Parisian boulevards designed by Baron Haussmann.

• The creation of Piazza della Repubblica: One of the most radical transformations was the redevelopment of the city’s old central market area, the Mercato Vecchio. This historic district was demolished to create a grand, open square, today known as Piazza della Repubblica, reflecting the new capital’s ambitions of modernity.

• New government buildings: Several buildings were either repurposed or constructed to house the central government. Palazzo Pitti became the royal residence, while Palazzo Vecchio served as the seat of government. Ministries were housed in various palaces, including Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Palazzo del Senato.

• Infrastructure improvements: Roads were widened, new bridges were built over the Arno, and the city’s railway station, Santa Maria Novella, was enhanced to accommodate the increased traffic and political presence.

Despite these advancements, the city’s reign as the capital was short-lived. In 1871, Rome was annexed by Italy and became the new capital. While this meant the loss of Florence’s political primacy, it left a lasting impact on the city’s urban development.

Today, Florence remains one of Italy’s most important cities, renowned for its art, architecture, and culture. The legacy of its time as the capital can still be seen in its grand boulevards, public squares, and 19th-century government buildings—reminders of a brief but transformative period in its history.