One important landmark for Florence’s history is the column of justice in Piazza Santa Trinita. It is a historic column made of eastern granite that was constructed during the Roman era, but its Florentine history is connected to what transpired when Florence defeated Siena, a rival city.
Origin of the column:
Pope Pius IV gave the column to the city of Florence in 1560 to commemorate the Florentine soldiers’ victory against the Sienese in the Battle of Scannagallo (1554), headed by Cosimo I de Medici. Following the battle, which changed the course of the conflict between Florence and Siena, the Medici family led the annexation of Siena’s territory to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1555.
Characteristics of the column:
The column is of Roman origin, most likely from the Terme di Caracalla in Rome, and is constructed of oriental granite.
Between 1560 and 1563, it was brought by boat to Florence and constructed in Piazza Santa Trinita.
The material’s high caliber and towering height express the physicians’ wish to honor their authority and territory.
