The descent of Charles VIII of France into Italy (1494-1495) became so swift and uncontested that it earned the nickname “the Plaster War” (Guerra del Gesso). According to legend, most Italian cities surrendered at the mere sight of the French army, allowing French soldiers to mark their conquests with a simple chalk line on the city walls instead of engaging in battle.
However, there was one remarkable exception—Florence. Unlike other cities that quickly yielded, the Florentines firmly resisted Charles VIII, making it one of the few places where the king did not leave his mark with plaster.
The French Invasion and the Fall of the Medici
In 1494, Charles VIII invaded Italy, claiming his right to the Kingdom of Naples. His powerful army, equipped with modern artillery and heavy cavalry, easily overran many Italian states, facing little opposition.
At the time, Florence was ruled by Piero de’ Medici, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Piero, hoping to avoid destruction, surrendered several key fortresses to the French without a fight, enraging the Florentine people. This act of submission led to an uprising, and Piero was expelled from the city.
Florence Stands Against Charles VIII
With the Medici gone, Florence found itself in a precarious situation. Charles VIII demanded large payments and political concessions in exchange for sparing the city. A delegation of Florentine officials, including the statesman Pier Capponi, negotiated with the French king.
During a tense moment in the discussions, Charles VIII grew impatient and threatened Florence with war, famously declaring:
“We will sound our trumpets!”
Pier Capponi, undeterred, boldly replied:
“And we will ring our bells!”
This statement was a direct challenge, implying that if the French attacked, Florence would summon its citizens to arms by ringing the city’s church bells. The defiance of the Florentines took Charles VIII by surprise. Rather than risk a violent revolt, he backed down, settled for a more reasonable agreement, and continued southward to Naples—without using plaster to mark Florence’s submission.
Florence’s Victory Without War
Unlike other Italian cities, Florence did not fall easily to the French. Capponi’s resistance saved the city from looting and destruction, proving that determination and diplomacy could stand against a powerful invader. The event remains one of the most legendary moments in Florence’s history, showcasing the city’s independent spirit and political resilience.
Conclusion
The Plaster War symbolized the ease with which Charles VIII’s army conquered Italy, but Florence was the exception. Thanks to the courage of Pier Capponi and the Florentine people, the city remained free from French domination. This episode not only changed the course of Florentine history but also reinforced the city’s legacy as a symbol of defiance and independence.
