On this day in history: Artist Tintoretto dies
On May 31, 1594, the art world lost one of its most dynamic and influential figures, Jacopo Robusti, known as Tintoretto.
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Category: History of Italy
On this day in history: Giacomo Matteotti denounces fascist election win
On 30th May 1924, a pivotal and courageous speech delivered in the Italian parliament marked the beginning of a crisis for Benito Mussolini’s Fascist government. The young socialist politician behind the speech, Giacomo Matteotti, denounced the recent general election as fraudulent and violent, a stance that led to his kidnap and murder.
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Feast Day of St. Bona of Pisa: Patron Saint of Tour Guides and Pisa
In the medieval city of Pisa, known for its iconic Leaning Tower, the story of St. Bona of Pisa unfolds as one of devotion, travel, and remarkable spiritual journeys. Recognised as the patron saint of tour guides and the city of Pisa, she continues to inspire those who wander and those who guide.
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On this day in history: Caravaggio commits murder
On 28th May 1606, the late Renaissance artist Caravaggio committed a murder that forced him to spend the rest of his life on the run.
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On this day in history: Lucrezia Crivelli, mistress of Duke of Milan, dies
Lucrezia Crivelli passed away on May 27, 1508. Known primarily as the lover of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, Crivelli’s life is intertwined with the culture of 15th-century Milan.
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On this day in history: Birth of artist Jacopo Carucci da Pontormo
Jacopo Carucci, better known as Pontormo, was born on May 24, 1494, in the small Tuscan village of Pontorme. The artist played a crucial role in the development of Mannerism.
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On this day in history: Death of Pandolfo Petrucci, ruler of Siena
Pandolfo Petrucci, an influential figure in the history of Siena, dominated the political landscape of the Tuscan city from the late 15th century into the early 16th century. Born in 1452, Petrucci’s rise to power was marked by his cunning political acumen and strategic alliances, which ultimately established him as the de facto ruler of […]
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On this day in history: Baccio d’Agnolo born
The woodcarver, sculptor, and architect Baccio D’Agnolo, who helped shape the architectural landscape of Renaissance Florence, was born in the city on 19th May 1462.
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On this day in history: Cosimo II de’ Medici born
Born in Florence 12th May 1590, Cosimo II de’ Medici, reigned as Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1609 until his untimely demise in 1621. He assumed a largely ceremonial role during his twelve-year tenure, entrusting administrative duties to his ministers, but was patron of physicist Galileo Gallilei.
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On this day in history: Expedition of the Thousand
On this day in 1860, the Expedition of the Thousand (Spedizione dei Mille) commenced, marking a significant chapter in Italy’s unification under the leadership of the soldier and revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi.
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