FLORENCE ACCOMMODATION » Discover Florence » History of Florence » The 20th Century

The 20th Century in Florence



Florence - The flood in 1966
Although Florence was not directly involved in World War I, the war had remarkable repercussions on the city: in fact many Florentines died in battle and the winter in 1917 was particularly difficult due to the rigid climate and to the shortage of supply. At the end of the war, an industrial area was created in the northern part of Florence. In this period, many workers` associations developed: Florence was becoming a left-wing stronghold.

In the 20s, however, Florence was also one of the bases of fascism and in the following decade its support to Mussolini was rewarded with the erection of Santa Maria Novella railway station (1933-1935) and of the stadium in the quarter of Campo di Marte (1932). Despite the violence of the fascist squads, the left-wing opposition continued to operate underground.

During World War II, the Florentine protected their city and its monuments against bombings and plunders. When the Allied were about to enter Florence in July 1944, the German decided to abandon it and destroyed all the bridges except Ponte Vecchio. The Allied entered Florence on August 4th, 1944.

Ponte Vecchio during the bombings in 1945
At the end of the war, the first things to be reconstructed were Ponte alla Vittoria, Ponte San Niccolς and Ponte alla Carraia.

Giorgio La Pira dominated Florence`s political life after World War II. La Pira was mayor of Florence from 1951 to 1958 and from 1961 to 1965. A man of profound faith and a Catholic politician, he supported the poor and the workers in their struggles against the employers.

On November 4th, 1966, the Arno River burst its banks, submerging Florence with water and mud and killing some dozens of people; thousands of families lost everything. The flood severely damaged Florence`s artistic heritage. Many angels of the mud from all over the world went to Florence to help the Florentine to save the books of the Biblioteca Nazionale (National Library).

 

Our most requested apartments in the Florence historical centre:
Apartment Boboli
Apartment Boboli
Elegant apartment in Florence historical centre situated in a 17th-century building in the Oltrarno district, just a few steps from Piazza Santo Spirito and Ponte Vecchio. Air conditioning, Internet connection, parking. From 2 to 7 sleeping accommodations.
-30%*
*Valid in some periods
More details
Apartment Gaia
Apartment Gaia
Luxury apartment full of light in Florence historical centre, just a few metres from Piazza Santa Croce. 8 sleeping accommodations, air conditioning, wonderful view on the hill of Fiesole, on Brunelleschi`s dome and on Giotto`s bell tower. More details
Apartment Paola
Apartment Paola
Bright apartment in San Lorenzo district, in Florence historical centre, close to Santa Maria Novella railway station. 2/4 sleeping accommodations, wonderful view on the Cappelle Medicee, air conditioning, Internet. More details
Apartment Condotta
Apartment Condotta
Apartment in the historical centre of Florence, near Piazza Santa Croce. Apartment with accommodation for 2/3 people, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Internet connection. More details