More than 10 under investigation over Florence’s black and white tower

More than ten people are under investigation in the inquiry into the so-called black and white tower or black cube in Florence, the controversial building that replaced the former Teatro Comunale and has drawn criticism for its visual impact on the historic cityscape.

According to information released on the local press, those under investigation are receiving formal summonses to appear before prosecutors. The case is being handled directly by chief prosecutor Rosa Volpe, and the alleged offences include unauthorised building works, false statements in official documents, and violations of landscape and urban-planning regulations.

Focus on the authorisation process

Investigators are examining the entire authorisation process that led to the redevelopment of the former theatre site, which was demolished and redeveloped into luxury apartments and high-end short-term tourist accommodation. The area falls within Florence’s UNESCO World Heritage zone, where building interventions are subject to particularly strict safeguards.

The investigation is being carried out by the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza. During the summer, documents were seized from the urban planning department of the Comune di Firenze and from the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio, the state body responsible for protecting architectural and landscape heritage.

Among the key documents under scrutiny are the opinions issued on the redevelopment project, including those provided by Florence’s landscape commission.

Municipal officials also involved

Sources say that the list of people under investigation includes senior officials and technical staff from the city’s urban planning offices. The summonses invite those concerned to contact the prosecutor’s office in order to be questioned, with legal counsel present.

At this stage, prosecutors have not released names or detailed individual responsibilities. Under Italian law, being under investigation does not imply guilt, and all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.

Activists welcome investigation

The developments were welcomed by the civic group Salviamo Firenze per Viverci (“Save Florence to Live in It”), which has long opposed what it describes as speculative real-estate projects in the historic centre.

The group said the investigation could help clarify how such a project was authorised in a protected area, and renewed its call for a halt to similar developments elsewhere in the city, including other former public sites undergoing conversion into luxury housing or tourist accommodation.

The Comune di Firenze has so far limited its response to expressing confidence in the work of the judiciary, while the investigation continues.

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