Introduction: A Tale on the Arno
Near Florence’s Ponte alle Grazie, between the soft murmur of the Arno River and the chatter of street vendors, a peculiar figure used to wander — Lorenzaccio, the upholsterer from Via de’ Neri. His name, The Mischief of Lorenzaccio, seemed almost prophetic. This story, known locally as The Mischief of Lorenzaccio, reveals one of Florence’s strangest and most amusing urban legends.
The Cruel Game of Lorenzaccio
Unlike other men of his time, Lorenzaccio’s favorite pastime wasn’t playing cards or drinking wine. Instead, his twisted amusement came from tormenting small dogs. Hiding near the bridge like a clownish bandit, he would suddenly leap out, grab an unsuspecting little dog by the tail, and dangle it dangerously over the edge.
The scene was both shocking and absurd — the poor animal barking in despair, the crowd gasping in horror, and Lorenzaccio, grinning with satisfaction at his own mischief. This bizarre behavior earned him a reputation that even today lives on in the whispers of Florence’s narrow alleys.
The Vendetta of Ceccoruzzola
However, fate decided to teach him a lesson. One afternoon, his victim happened to be the beloved dog of Ceccoruzzola, a lupin seller known for his rough hands and quick temper. When Ceccoruzzola saw his pet hanging over the Arno, he didn’t hesitate. With one swift motion, he struck Lorenzaccio with his soup bowl — a hit so firm that both the dog and Lorenzaccio’s hat flew into the river.
That hat, a symbol of his vanity, floated away like a little punishment from destiny. Meanwhile, a local sand digger named Tonaca, who usually fished for stones rather than fish, jumped into the Arno and rescued the terrified dog.
If you stroll today along the Lungarno degli Archibusieri, you can almost imagine the chaos of that moment — two men shouting, a rescued dog trembling, and the bridge filled with laughter and disbelief.
The Brawl and the Cell
Soon, the gendarmes arrived — stern as statues. Seeing the mess, they decided on a simple solution: “Let’s put them in the same cell and see if they calm down together!” And so, both Lorenzaccio and Ceccoruzzola found themselves locked in the same room, each nursing bruises and wounded pride.
Perhaps that night, surrounded by stone walls and the distant sound of the Arno, Lorenzaccio finally reflected on his actions. Whether he truly changed, no one knows. Yet, after that day, Florence’s little dogs could stroll across Ponte alle Grazie with a little more peace of mind.
This entire episode, part of Florence’s folklore, has since been remembered as The Mischief of Lorenzaccio, a lesson in cruelty, karma, and comedy along the Arno.
Legacy: A Moral from the Arno
Even today, stories like The Mischief of Lorenzaccio remind us that the heart of Florence is not only made of marble and masterpieces — it also beats with humor, humanity, and everyday legends. The bridge, the river, and the people all become characters in a living theatre that continues to fascinate travelers and locals alike.
For those who wish to explore Florence’s hidden tales and forgotten anecdotes, these resources are a perfect start:
