Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine, Neoclassical triumphal arch in Piazza della Libertà, Florence, Italy.
The Triumphal Arch of the Lorraine in Piazza della Libertà is a three-bay triumphal arch with a tall central fornix flanked by two smaller ones, framed by twelve Corinthian columns fourteen metres high. Sixteen allegorical figures, four trophies of arms, a heraldic frieze and four bas-reliefs of episodes in the life of Francis Stephen complete it, with the Habsburg eagle dominating the main sides.
The arch was built from 1737 to 1739 to welcome Grand Duke Francis Stephen of Lorraine, designed by the French architect Jean Nicolas Jadot. The first stone was laid on 16 December 1738, and Francis Stephen passed through it on 19 January 1739. The same dynasty left Florence through the arch on 27 April 1859, when Leopold II departed.
The southern side displays two double-headed eagles representing the Habsburg family, along with an equestrian statue of Francis Stephen. These symbols recall the new ruling family that arrived in the city at that time.
The monument stands at the northern end of Via Cavour and is easily reached on foot from central Florence. Visitors can use public transit or walk through nearby streets to get a clear view of the structure.
A plaque placed in the central passage in 1916 records that Grand Duke Leopold II left Florence through Porta San Gallo on 27 April 1859. The same arch had seen the dynasty's entry in 1739, so the Lorraine family both entered and left the city through it.
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