Triumphal Arch, Florence

The Triumphal Arch in Florence (Arco di Trionfo) is located in Piazza della Liberta in the central part of  the city. Built in the 18th century, the arch was created to welcome the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty. Opposite to the construction, which is one of the most beautiful architectural sights of Florence, there is Porta San Gallo.

 History of the Triumphal Arch

In 1737, after the death of the last Medici, the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty became the new rulers of the Tuscan duchy. In honour of this event, the masters of Florence were commissioned the erection of the triumphal arch. The design of the arch belongs to the architect Jean-Nicolas Jadot. The decoration of the monument and the statues of ancient gods were performed by masters of the local Academy of Arts.

The main decoration of Arco di Trionfo is a series of bas-reliefs dedicated to the achievements of the Habsburg family, accompanied by sayings in Latin, as well as an image of an eagle, the coat of arms of the powerful dynasty.

In November 1916, a memorial plaque honouring the king Victor Emmanuel II was placed on the inside of the arch. The monarch became a symbol of a new type of a ruler that had replaced the usual form of government, the dictatorship, with more humane methods. Also, during the years of his reign, Victor Emmanuel II did a lot to unite Italy.

In 1865 and 1871, Piazza della Liberta was reconstructed. As a result, the triumphal arch was surrounded by footpaths and a series of arcades.

How to get there

The triumphal arch is located in Piazza della Liberta in the central part of Florence. The Liberta stop is on the bus routes № 1, 7, 25, 82, 302А, 307А, 319А, С1.