The discovery of a well in the Tower of the Pulci in Florence.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
The Rediscovery of a Well in the Pulci Tower, Florence
Exploring Florence’s Hidden History
Every visitor to Florence is drawn to the iconic square outside the Uffizi Gallery, enticed by its remarkable artworks and the stunning architecture designed by Giorgio Vasari under the commission of Cosimo I de' Medici. Completed rapidly between 1560 and 1565, the Uffizi is a masterpiece in itself.
A Historical and Tragic Landmark
This horseshoe-shaped palace, extending from Palazzo Vecchio to the Arno River, defines the square. Its western porticoes lead into Via Lambertesca, a narrow street that ushers visitors into Florence's ancient core. This medieval section was partially demolished by Vasari to make room for the new creation.
On May 27, 1993, this historic site was marred by tragedy when a mafia car bomb exploded at the corner of Via Lambertesca and Via dei Georgofili. The blast claimed five lives and inflicted severe damage on Florence’s artistic heritage. It destroyed sections of the Uffizi and devastated the ancient Pulci family house and tower, home to the Academy of the Georgofili since 1932, which has been dedicated to agricultural studies and conservation since 1753.
Devastation and Restoration
For those who responded to the disaster, the scene remains unforgettable. The south wall of the Georgofili building, dangerously close to collapse, was shifted by the explosion. An attic apartment was reduced to rubble, tragically ending the lives of the academy's caretaker, her family, and a nearby student.
Florence, resilient in adversity, quickly began restoration. After securing the valuable 50,000-volume library of the Georgofili, the city set about rebuilding. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, they restored the building with meticulous attention to detail. The roof was hand-crafted, while steel and mortar were used for structural reinforcement. Clear fracture lines were intentionally left to distinguish new from old in the renovated structure.
A Surprising Discovery
Amidst the restoration, unexpected gems were uncovered. Seven previously forgotten rooms, once part of the State Archives, were revealed and reintroduced to the academy. More intriguingly, the restoration exposed a well and staircase system dating back to the 1427 property of Jacopo di Francesco de’ Pulci. This discovery connects to Luigi Pulci, a friend of Lorenzo Il Magnifico and author of "Morgante." The well and spiral staircase now integrate seamlessly with the academy’s spaces, showcasing both their historical significance and harmonizing with the contemporary restoration efforts.
Celebrating Vasari’s Vision
The discovery not only rewarded restoration efforts but also highlighted Vasari's architectural genius. Despite initial plans to demolish numerous structures for the Uffizi, Cosimo de' Medici opted for a less costly approach, saving many original buildings, including the Pulci Tower. This integration demonstrates Vasari's innovative blend of old and new, preserving history within a modern masterpiece.
Visitors can witness this blend of history and innovation firsthand. The Tower of the Pulci and its restoration achievements are open to the public during the operating hours of the Academy of the Georgofili, Monday to Friday, from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Florence continues to stand as a testament to resilience, creativity, and respect for its profound historical roots.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The discovery of a well in the Tower of the Pulci in Florence..
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.