Bring to the Cross

The Porta alla Croce in Florence is one of the most interesting examples of the city’s ancient gates, a stronghold of the medieval past that stands majestically in Piazza Beccaria. Built in 1285 as part of the fourth circle of city walls, the gate was originally known as Porta alla Croce al Gorgo and Porta Sant’Ambrogio. Its name may derive from its proximity to the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of Florence’s most important churches. The architecture of Porta alla Croce reflects the defensive needs of the time. The structure was reduced in height during the siege of Florence in 1529-1530, a modification aimed at improving its resistance to cannon fire. The roof covering, added in 1805, was designed by architect Giuseppe Del Rosso, giving the gate the appearance we see today. One of the most remarkable elements of the gate is the external lunette, which houses a fresco by Michele Tosini depicting the Virgin with the Saints. This fresco has unfortunately deteriorated over time, but remains an important testament to the artistic heritage of the gate. Porta alla Croce has a rich and complex history. During the period when Florence was the capital of Italy (1865-1871), the city underwent a major urban transformation under the direction of Giuseppe Poggi. In this context, many of the city walls were demolished to make way for new avenues, leaving Porta alla Croce isolated in the center of a square. Piazza Beccaria, where the gate is located today, was dedicated to Cesare Beccaria, the renowned jurist and Enlightenment philosopher author of the treatise “On Crimes and Punishments”, who strongly opposed torture and the death penalty. During the urbanization works of the 19th century, the square assumed a crucial role as a transport hub, connecting various main arteries of the city. Today, Piazza Beccaria is an important reference point for city traffic, with its characteristic circular shape and the neoclassical buildings that surround it. Among these, stands out the State Archive of Florence, built in the 1970s with a brutalist design, designed to protect the city’s precious historical documents. Another fascinating aspect of Porta alla Croce is its role in public executions. Before the construction of the ring road, the condemned to death were led through this gate to the execution sites located outside the city walls. This tragic past gives the gate an aura of solemnity and historical memory. Porta alla Croce, with its commemorative plaques, bears witness to various significant moments in Florentine history. A plaque from 1310 describes the dimensions of the walls and gate in Florentine arms, while another, dating back to 1925, commemorates the fallen of the First World War. Furthermore, a third plaque from 1817 celebrates the urban improvement works undertaken by Grand Duke Ferdinand III of Lorraine, who restored the gate and opened new communication routes towards Casentino and Romagna. Today, Porta alla Croce continues to be a symbol of Florence’s historical and architectural heritage. Its imposing presence in Piazza Beccaria attracts both residents and tourists, who can admire this piece of history as they move through one of the city’s busiest and liveliest areas. The gate represents a tangible link to Florence’s medieval past, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the transformations the city has undergone over the centuries.