On this day in history: Casanova born
The adventurer and author whose name is synonymous with ‘womaniser’ was born on 2nd April 1725. A Venetian, Giacomo Casanova travelled widely and wrote an autobiography Story of my Life.
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Tag: on this day in history
On this day in history: Guccio Gucci – fashion designer – born
Guccio Gucci, the man whose name inspired the interlocking G logo, was born 26th March 1881 in Florence. Inspired by wealthy clients at the Savoy Hotel, his fashion brand has gone on to become one of the most famous in the world.
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On this day in history: Giuseppe Mercalli – seismologist – died
Giuseppe Mercalli was one of Europe’s leading authorities on earthquakes and volcanic activity. He died on 19th March 1914 in a fire at home.
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On this day in history: Bettino Ricasoli – statesman and winemaker – born
Twice prime minister and inventor of modern Chianti wine, Bettino Ricasoli was born on this day – 9th March – in 1809. He was considered one of the driving forces of the Risorgimento.
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On this day in history: Renaissance artist Giotto dies
The 14th century painter Giotto di Bondone, known simply as Giotto, died on 8th January, 1337 in Florence. He was one of the greatest artists of the early Renaissance period.
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On this day in history: Carlo Ponti born
Film producer Carlo Ponti married Sophia Loren not once but twice. He produced many iconic Italian films. He was born on 11th December 1912.
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On this day in history: Perfumier Johann Maria Farina born
Johann Maria Farina, the Italian perfumier, was born on 8th December, 1685. He invented the fragrance, Eau de Cologne.
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On this day: Azzone Visconti – ruler of Milan – born
Azzone Visconti, sometimes described as the founder of the state of Milan, was born on 7th December, 1302 in Ferrara. He brought prosperity to the city in the 14th century.
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On this day in history: author of ‘Confessions of an Italian’ born
The writer Ippolito Nievo was born on 30 November 1831 in Padua. His posthumously published Confessions of an Italian is one of the most important Risorgimento novels in Italian literature.
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On this day in history: Botanist Prospero Alpini born
Born on 23rd November 1533: physician and botanist, Prospero Alpini, in Marostica near Vicenza. Alpini was the first European to observe and document the coffee plant.
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