by Maria
Do you know what Florence’s most famous symbol is? It’s not an animal, but… a flower!
It’s called the fleur-de-lis (or lily), though in reality it resembles more an iris, the flower that grows in the fields around the city.
A special flower The lily is drawn on the city’s coat of arms: a red flower on a white background.
But it hasn’t always been like this! Long ago, during the times of the Guelfs and Ghibellines (two factions fighting for power in Florence), the colors were reversed: a white lily on a red background. Later, the Guelfs changed the emblem, and it has remained the same ever since.
The lily is a symbol of purity, beauty, and rebirth.
It also represents the Virgin Mary, to whom Florence’s great cathedral is dedicated: Santa Maria del Fiore (literally “Saint Mary of the Flower”).
The lion is Florence’s most important animal symbol. It is called the Marzocco, and it is often depicted with one paw resting on a shield that bears the lily of the city.
The lion represents the courage and freedom of the Florentines. Just as a lion protects its den, the Marzocco was seen as the protector of the city!
On the side of the Duomo, if you look closely, you can spot the carved head of an ox. But why?
Oxen were used to transport the heavy blocks of marble and stone needed to build the great cathedral. For this reason, they became a symbol of strength and hard work.
There is also a cheeky legend: some say the ox was carved to mock a jealous husband, since in Italian the phrase “to wear horns” means to be betrayed… but that’s a funny story best left to the grown-ups!
The sheep – or rather the lamb – is the symbol of the Wool Guild (Arte della Lana), one of the most powerful corporations in Florence. With wool from sheep, Florentines produced fine fabrics that were sold all over Europe.
That’s why the lamb represents wealth and creativity, but also gentleness and faith, since it recalls the “Lamb of God” in the Christian tradition.
Another important animal is the eagle, which soars high in the sky with its sharp eyesight. It was the symbol of the Arte di Calimala, the guild of merchants who traded luxury textiles. The eagle is often shown holding a bale of cloth, ready to be sold in the markets.
It represents wealth, intelligence, and the ability to look far ahead.
If you want, you can join our two-hour treasure hunt, self-guided and bookable directly on our website. You’ll receive an information kit for the hunt, and at the end there will be a prize! Follow the clues, test your curiosity with a special quiz, and discover the fascinating connection between Florence and medieval art. You’ll be immersed in the city’s history and culture, uncovering secrets and hidden details along the way.
