the walls of Italy

"If these walls could talk..." The story the walls of Italy tell is a story of blood, gold and a wave of artistic advancement beyond anything the early modern world could imagine. 

Siena, Italy

Non-historians see the Italian Renaissance as an era of peace and wisdom as well as wealth, power and creativity. In reality the merchant families and various nation-states of the not-yet-country of Italy were in constant conflict.

Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Families like the Borgias, the Medicis, the Sforzas and the della Roveres were constantly waging war on each other, grabbing land, dukedoms, cities and ports...anything they could get their already-wealthy hands on. 

The Forum, Rome

Thanks to TV shows of dubious historical accuracy, most people already know about the Medicis and the Borgias, but there were many historical figures who deserve a series about their lives. 

Early modern mosaic in the San Miniato del Monte, Florence

One of them is Caterina Sforza of Forli, who had a long and bloody career, earning herself the title The Tigress of Forli. In her thirties she found herself a new widow facing down the overwhelming might of the Borgia family with a tiny army, and held them off for several days before Cesare Borgia captured her.

Presumed portrait of Caterina 
by Lorenzo di Credi, c. 1481-1483.

In times when a throne could be passed hand to bloodstained hand, powerful families tried to legitimise their new regimes by surrounding themselves with symbols of their power. This was a profitable time for the famous painters, sculptors and architects whose names we all know today. 

The Duomo at night, Florence

The Duomo, main entrance

They were hired to create churches, palaces and seats of government for the conquering nobles and fill them with immortal art that would serve as their legacy. 

Palazzo Pitti, former residence of the Medicis, 
seen from the Boboli Gardens

This is how every city in Italy to this day spills over with astonishing paintings, mosaics, sculpture and architecture - all the trappings of cultured power, convincing the ruled subjects and any visitors that the nobles deserved to rule.

Gilded mosaic at the Basilica di San Marco, Venice

Today millions more people than the nobles ever imagined pass through these grand halls to view these declarations of power and legitimacy. The countless battles of the past produced visions of beauty for us to inherit. We have the responsibility to educate ourselves on this "golden age" and what it truly meant.

Piazza di Campidoglio, Rome