Florence, a city brimming with history and culture, hides countless stories within its streets and buildings. One such story lies in Via dei Conti, n. 1, near the corner of Via dei Cerretani, where a historic building originally belonging to the Cappelli family stands. Reconstructed in 1863 to accommodate the widening of Via dei Cerretani, this building now features a marble plaque dedicated to an extraordinary figure: Doctor Ferdinando Zanetti.
Who Was Ferdinando Zanetti?
Ferdinando Zanetti (1801–1884) was a distinguished surgeon, academic, and patriot whose contributions left a lasting mark on Florence and Italy. As the director of the Higher Physiological Museum of Medicine and Anatomy of Florence, Zanetti was a revered figure in the medical field.
However, his achievements extended far beyond academia. In 1848, during the First War of Italian Independence, Zanetti voluntarily joined the Tuscan troops as a soldier and directed their health services on the battlefield at Curtatone. His dedication to his country was unwavering; he declined the prestigious role of Minister of Education to serve as General Commander of the National Guard during the same period.
Zanetti’s Role in Italian Unification
Zanetti’s involvement in Italy’s path to unification was pivotal. After the fall of the Lorenese dynasty in 1859, he resumed his role as head of the health services for the Tuscan Army and was elected to the Tuscan Assembly. In 1860, he became a senator of the Kingdom of Italy, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the nation’s history.
The Famous Surgery on General Garibaldi
One of Zanetti’s most remarkable accomplishments was his intervention on General Giuseppe Garibaldi, the hero of Italian unification. Garibaldi sustained a severe gunshot wound during the Battle of Aspromonte in 1862, with a bullet lodged in his right foot. Months of deliberations by medical experts failed to resolve the issue. Finally, Zanetti was summoned to Pisa, where Garibaldi was detained.
On November 23, 1862, Zanetti successfully performed a delicate surgery at the Hotel delle Tre Donzelle, saving Garibaldi’s foot from amputation. This event, meticulously documented, earned Zanetti national acclaim.
Florence: A City of Endless Stories
The marble plaque on Via dei Conti stands as a testament to Ferdinando Zanetti’s life and achievements, a reminder of Florence’s deep connection to Italy’s history. As you wander through the streets of Florence, take a moment to admire this hidden gem and reflect on the countless tales that enrich the city’s cultural tapestry.
From Renaissance art to the stories of heroes like Zanetti, Florence continues to amaze visitors with its historical treasures and hidden corners. Plan your next visit and uncover more about the city that shaped Italy’s past and inspires the world today.
