Girolamo Benivieni by ridolfo ghirandaio cropped National Gallery UK

On this day: birth of poet Girolamo Benivieni

Girolamo Benivieni, the Florentine poet and humanist whose work helped transmit Platonic philosophy into Renaissance literature, was born on 6th February 1453 in Florence. Closely associated with some of the most influential thinkers of his time, Benivieni occupied a rare position at the crossroads of classical philosophy, Renaissance humanism and religious reform.

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O' sole mio author Giovanni Capurro

On This Day: birth of poet Giovanni Capurro

5 February 1859 marks the birth of Giovanni Capurro, a Neapolitan poet, lyricist and journalist whose work would shape one of Italy’s most enduring musical legacies. Born in the city’s Montecalvario district, Capurro grew up in a cultured household; his father was a professor of languages. Although initially guided toward technical studies, he soon embraced […]

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Giovanni Battista Vaccarini

On this day in history: architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini born

Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the architect whose work helped define the Baroque character of Catania, was born on 3rd February, 1702 in Palermo. His designs played a central role in shaping the rebuilt city following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693, which devastated large parts of eastern Sicily.

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