Calcio (foot-Ball) in Florence

The Piazza Santa Croce is intimately associated with the history of Florence. For many years it was the place of popular assemblage for the consideration of important public measures; also the place for all public games.

In the fifteenth century an important tournament was held here, which has been immortalized by a poem in honor of the feats performed by Lorenzo and Giuliano de Medici. But the Piazza was especially used for the national game of Calcio (foot-ball). Calcio (a kick) is supposed to have been an ancient Roman game, since Roman authors describe it exactly as it was played in Florence. The season was from January to March. All the ladies and gentlemen of Florence, as well as the populace, assembled to witness these games. The last game of Calcio was held here in 1739. But the Piazza was not always the scene of amusement. The first Parliament, or meeting of the people, was held here in 1250.

From here Walter de Brienne, Duke of Athens, assembled the populace, and from here rode forth with one hundred and twenty armed followers to the Palazzo Vecchio, there to commence his reign of terror.