Gazing upon the Arco di Trionfo, you might think it celebrates a great Florentine victory. However, this arch sings the praises of a dynasty not native to Florence: the Habsburg-Lorraine family. Completed in 1739, the Arco di Trionfo marked the grand entrance of Francis Stephen, Duke of Lorraine, into Florence. This marked the end of the Medici reign and the beginning of Habsburg-Lorraine rule. The arch, designed by French architect Jean Nicolas Jadot, boasts intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures. These depict not local heroes, but rather the triumphs and grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty. Even the majestic double-headed eagles adorning the southern facade whisper of a power seated far from Florence. Ironically, this very arch witnessed the departure of the Habsburg-Lorraine family into exile in 1859, marking the end of their rule. The Arco di Trionfo serves as a silent testament to the shifting tides of power and the indelible mark that foreign influences have left on this magnificent city.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,