Florentine Prank Dinner Revenge is not just a story about humor and identity, but also a glimpse into the mind of one of Florence’s greatest geniuses. For those enjoying a Florence Free Tour, tales like this one bring the Renaissance to life in the city’s streets.
The Master of the Dome… and the Prank
In Florence, people have always had two passions: art… and making fun of each other. In 1409, Filippo Brunelleschi—yes, the same man who designed the great dome of the Florence Cathedral—decided to seek revenge on a certain Manetto Ammanatini, known as “Il Grasso” (The Fat One). His crime? He had committed the terrible offense of bailing on a dinner. A dinner, mind you, with brilliant artists, lively conversation, and excellent wine.
In Florence, skipping dinner without a proper excuse was almost like a mortal sin. But Brunelleschi, ever the inventive mind, didn’t just scold him—he planned what today we’d call a psychological experiment. He simply called it: Florentine Prank Dinner Revenge.
A Trick of Identity
To begin, Brunelleschi spread a false rumor: Manetto’s mother was ill. Alarmed, Manetto rushed to check on her, but a friend reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. You stay in the workshop.” And Manetto, unsuspecting, obeyed.
Later, when he returned home, he found his door locked. From inside, someone replied… claiming to be him. “I am Manetto! You’re Matteo!” said the voice. Confused and shaken, Manetto stood outside like a lost lamp post, unsure whether to cry or laugh.
Soon, everything spiraled. His neighbors refused to recognize him. Even Donatello addressed him as Matteo. Then, he was arrested—apparently, this Matteo had huge debts. And guess who had to pay them? Manetto, or Matteo—no one knew anymore. Not even the judge, known for his stern ways, helped. “My son,” he said, “rare cases happen. You are now Matteo. Accept it.”
The Final Act: A Dose of Opium and One Last Twist
In a final theatrical move, two fake brothers “rescued” him from jail, brought him home, served him a hearty meal, and put him to sleep with a dose of opium (commonly used in Florence at the time to relax or forget).
When he woke up—surprise! He was back in his own home, as if nothing had happened. Relieved, he thought it was all a dream. But on his way to the workshop, the two brothers intercepted him again: “Hey, that Matteo guy thinks he’s you!”
On the verge of a breakdown, Manetto met with Brunelleschi, Donatello, and the mysterious “Matteo,” who with poker faces claimed they had dreamed of being “Il Grasso.” He almost believed them—again.
Desperate, he searched for his mother—still out of town. That’s when the truth hit him: it had all been a prank. An elaborate joke. A complete Florentine Prank Dinner Revenge.
From Florence to Hungary
Humiliated and emotionally exhausted, Manetto packed his belongings and left for Hungary. There, at least, no one would swap his name or mess with his head.
And so, the moral of the story is simple: in Florence, you can be fat, you can be foolish, but never skip a dinner. Because the only dish served after might be cold—and it’s called revenge.
Discover More on a Florence Free Tour
If you’re fascinated by tales like Florentine Prank Dinner Revenge, don’t miss walking the same streets where Brunelleschi, Donatello, and their victims once roamed. On your next Florence Free Tour, ask your guide about this story—or even better, walk past Brunelleschi’s dome and imagine the laughter echoing through the alleys.
