Petition calls to preserve Piazza Beccaria archaeological site

A public petition has been launched calling for the permanent preservation of the medieval archaeological remains recently uncovered during tramway works in Piazza Beccaria, eastern Florence. The initiative asks local and national authorities to keep the structures visible in situ rather than reburying them once archaeological investigations are completed.

The petition was launched by Jacopo Bianchi, known on YouTube as Jacopovideo, following recent discoveries that have revealed substantial sections of Florence’s 14th-century defensive system. According to the archaeological findings presented by the Soprintendenza Archeology, Fine Arts and Landscape, the excavation has brought to light part of the Arnolfian city walls, two stone arches of the bridge that crossed the San Gervasio moat, and defensive structures connected to the former Porta alla Croce gateway.

Possible link to Giotto

Among the latest developments is a hypothesis put forward by the Soprintendenza that the reconstruction of the outer gate following the devastating flood of 1333 may have been carried out under the supervision of Giotto. The artist was appointed magister et gubernator of Florence’s public works, including its fortifications, in April 1334.

The attribution remains unconfirmed and will require further archaeological investigation and archival research. If supported by future studies, however, it would add significant historical importance to the site.

Petition argues preservation is compatible with tramway project

A central argument of the petition is that conserving the archaeological remains would not delay or prevent completion of the tramway.

The Soprintendenza has stated that the newly discovered structures do not conflict with the planned tramway alignment, allowing construction work to continue. Supporters of the petition argue that this makes it possible to develop a long-term conservation project without presenting the archaeological remains as an obstacle to the infrastructure project. They are asking authorities to reconsider the planned reburial of the site and instead prepare a public plan for its permanent preservation.

Among the proposals are archaeological glass flooring, protective shelters, elevated walkways, underground visitor spaces and an archaeological route integrated into the redesigned square.

Calls for greater transparency

The petition also asks institutions to provide more information about archaeological discoveries made in the same area between December 2025 and January 2026.

Supporters are requesting official clarification on which structures were removed, modified or reburied during earlier phases of the works, where any recovered materials are now stored, and whether they will eventually be reconstructed or displayed. The petition notes that videos published online appear to show interventions on previously uncovered remains, while acknowledging that the nature and authorisation of those works cannot be established from the footage alone.

Roman child’s burial

The appeal also refers to the discovery of the burial of a Roman-era girl estimated to have been about two years old, found during the excavations together with traces of a burial shroud and grave goods.

Petitioners are asking authorities to publish information about which institution is responsible for the remains, what scientific studies have been or will be carried out, and how the burial and associated artefacts will be conserved. They stress that any future research or public presentation should respect the dignity of the child.

Appeal to institutions

The petition is addressed to the Municipality of Florence, the Soprintendenza Archeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Metropolitan City of Florence and the Province of Prato, Italy’s Ministry of Culture and the Tuscany regional government.

Its organisers are calling for all of the archaeological remains uncovered in Piazza Beccaria to be preserved in their original location, protected, made permanently visible and accessible to the public, while allowing the tramway project to proceed.

The petition can be signed on Change.org.

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