Florence names a garden after Robert F. Kennedy

Florence has dedicated a public garden to Robert F. Kennedy, one of the most influential figures of 20th-century American politics and a tireless advocate for civil rights. The green area at the corner of Via il Prato and Via Bernardo Rucellai now bears his name, chosen for its proximity to the US Consulate General and the American Episcopal Church.

The decision coincides with the centenary of Kennedy’s birth, marked this week. The city’s tribute highlights both his historic role and the ongoing work of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Italia, based in Florence at the RFK International House of Human Rights. The organisation supports families and young people in difficulty through education, job-training and inclusion projects.

The naming ceremony brought together representatives of the municipality, the US diplomatic mission and RFK Italia. Among those attending were Caterina Biti, city councillor for street naming, Federico Moro, secretary general of RFK Italia, Daniela Ballard, US Consul General, Donato Tramuto, vice-president of RFK Italia, and Mirco Rufilli, president of District 1.

Biti said the initiative honours Kennedy’s lifelong commitment to justice and environmental awareness, while Moro underlined how the dedication reinforces the organisation’s connection with the city where it operates daily to promote equality and human rights.

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