Dante's Plaque: Palazzo Vecchio Courtyard

“· · · FU’IO SOL COLÀ DOVE SOFFERTO FU PER CIASCUN DI TORRE VIA FIORENZA, COLUI CHE LA DIFESI A VISO APERTO." 

DANTE, INF., X, 91-93.

"... BUT THERE I WAS ALONE, WHERE EVERY ONE ⁠CONSENTED TO THE LAYING WASTE OF FLORENCE, ⁠HE WHO DEFENDED HER WITH OPEN FACE."

With these verses, Dante honours the memory of Farinata degli Uberti that he sees in the circle of heretics. The noble Florentine leader of the Ghibelline party participated in the famous battle of Montaperti in 1260, when the Guelphs were defeated in Siena. Despite the harsh contrasts, the day after the victory, Farinata was the only one to oppose "with open face" the request to destroy Florence and saved it. Palazzo Vecchio was built in the area once occupied by many Ghibelline tower-houses (including those of the Uberti), destroyed by the Guelphs. This memorial plaque, along with two more, is placed inside the Michelozzo Courtyard.

Discover the Florentine tower-houses here!