ARCH 458 – Hidden Florence: The Urban Evolution of the City

This course offers a full exploration of Florence’s urban evolution, tracing its journey from an Etruscan settlement to a Roman town, from a prosperous Renaissance metropolis to the modern city, one of the most visited urban centers of the word, a symbol of Italy’s artistic heritage. Through a historical and analytical lens, the course examines Florence’s main monuments and the major urban changes. A key component of the program is a series of site visits to the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each reflecting different periods and peculiar historical aspects. Assigned reading and guided analyses will provide students with the tools to understand and visualize the city’s spatial and historic transformations over the centuries. Readings, along with classroom discussions and on-site exploration, form the core of the course experience. Students will have the opportunity to tailor their assignments to their individual interests. 

The course is designed for students with an interest in social and cultural history, real estate, art, and architecture.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is to have students gain deeper knowledge of Florence and its monuments. By the end of the semester, students will be able to identify the historical periods of different areas of the city. They will also develop analytical skills to trace the various phases of the expansion from the original Roman settlement onward. Students will become more familiar with Florence’s history and acquire a general understanding of historical urban development, with Florence serving as a case study. The course combines visual presentations with frequent excursions to a variety of neighborhoods and historically significant sites, including areas outside the traditional tourist routes.

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.