The aerial bombings of Florence. 1943-1944

DISPONIBILE AL MUGOT

Massimo Bambagiotti Alberti, the author, publishes an interesting in-depth book on the bombings of Florence, which is combined with his personal war memories linked to those events. The proceeds from the sale of the libra go to the Mugot – Tuscan Gothic Museum. We thank the author for his generosity. Good job ! The book is available at MuGot of Ponzalla.

History

During the Second World War, Florence, like many other cities in Italy and Europe, suffered aerial bombing. These bombings were mainly conducted by Allied forces in the context of their campaign to liberate Italy from Nazi-Fascist occupation. The bombing of Florence began in 1943 and continued until 1944. There were several waves of attacks, each with specific objectives, but all caused considerable damage to the city and its precious works of art and architecture. Some of the most significant dates and details relating to the bombing of Florence are:

1. March 3, 1943: This was one of the first significant attacks, when the Allied air forces targeted the railway area of Florence. Although the target was mainly military and industrial, the damage also extended to civilian areas.
2. July 25, 1943: Another major attack that followed the fall of Mussolini. During this period, the attacks intensified as the Allies sought to put further pressure on the fascist regime and the Germans in Italy.
3. November 11, 1943: It was another day of heavy bombing, with significant damage to historic buildings and infrastructure.
4. March 26, 1944: This bombing caused the destruction of parts of the historic San Lorenzo church and damage to the San Lorenzo market.
5. 4 August 1944: The Allies carried out air strikes on retreating German targets. Florence was about to be liberated, and these bombings were among the last and most intense.

The overall toll of the bombings was heavy. From 1940 to 1944 Florence suffered 325 alarms, 25 attacks and 7 bombings, with a total of at least 700 victims.

In addition to the direct damage caused by the attacks, there was serious loss of life and damage to the city's artistic and architectural heritage. Many works of art were evacuated or protected as a precaution, but not everything could be saved or preserved from damage. After the war, Florence engaged in an extensive process of reconstruction and restoration. Many of its damaged historic buildings were restored, although bombing scars remain a tangible reminder of the war. Florence, today, is an example of resilience and restoration, maintaining its status as one of the most important centers of world art and culture.