On a rainy evening, Fine Arts Professor, Caleb England, led FUA students on an educational walk through areas of Florence that often go unexplored by tourists and students alike.

written by Charlotte Cicero for SPEL: Journalism

After meeting on the Ponte Vecchio, over 15 students, armed with umbrellas, walked with Fine Arts Professor, Caleb England as he spoke about the history of some of Florence’s smallest neighborhoods and the large historical events that took place there. From passing by the oldest church in Florence, visiting areas that inspired the works of Pablo Picasso, to walking down streets that bore witness to key moments in World War II, students gained a newfound appreciation for the deep and layered history of their temporary home.

At Palazzo Pitti, England informed students about the history of the palace. “It’s the most expensive palace in the city…. the duke's wife purchased it, one of the most incredible things about it is the Boboli Gardens that it’s connected to. It’s an incredibly beautiful place.” The Boboli Gardens, which sit behind the palace, are known for their intricate landscaping, sculptures, and historical significance, making the gardens a key feature of Florence’s cultural heritage.

“When the Duke and his wife got married, they had [the gardens] flooded, and they had pirate ship battles in the backyard,” he mentioned. Caroline Sepe, an FUA student, was stunned to hear about this side of the Pitti Palace’s history. “Who would’ve thought someone with so many riches would flood a garden to be able to have a pirate competition in their backyard…  that’s so weird and cool.”

The surprises didn’t stop there. England casually added, “Also Bernardo Buontalenti invented gelato for that wedding.” Leaving the students in shock as England continued the walk.

As the walk progressed onto Via Sguazza, England shared, “This is where the model for the Mona Lisa lived. Over on this tiny little side street in an artisan neighborhood.” The interesting anecdote sparked conversations amongst the students, many of whom had never considered the everyday lives of the figures behind famous artworks.

Later, making it over to Santo Spirito, England pointed to a building, saying, “That’s where the inventor of the telephone grew up. Not Alexander Graham Bell, the Italian man who actually invented the telephone.” Referring to the lesser-known history of Antonio Meucci, the true pioneer of the telephone. One student made a joke about how they had heard that reference on an episode of ‘The Sopranos’ before and then were now putting the historical puzzle pieces together. 

The tour continued to La Carmine, which England described as, “a pretty quiet neighborhood.” He explained how locals often gather in the piazza to celebrate special occasions. “Florentines come down to the Piazza to pop prosecco and celebrate graduations, weddings, engagements, and more,” he said, emphasizing the authenticity of the area’s restaurants, which remain largely untouched by tourism. 

At the final stop of the city walk, England took students to Piazza Tasso. “During World War II, those who fought the Nazi fascists would often meet here. Then word got out and [they] caught and murdered them. All the names of those who passed are on the plaque over there. I wanted to take you down here because this isn’t something you stumble across,” he explained. Many students, including myself, walked over to the plaque to read the names, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who resisted oppression, and how important it is to learn about the historical culture of Florence. 

These city walks take place every Wednesday night from 8:45 to 9:45 PM and have different meeting points each night. FUA City Walks are a great way to meet other students, learn a little more about Florence, and get some exercise. Signup links are posted on myFUA one week before the event occurs. Whether rain or shine, the city walks continue to reveal Florence’s rich and often overlooked past, bringing history to life one step at a time.