WW2 Florence: a Heritage Battle with Alessandra Becucci

In June 1940, Italy entered World War Two and work immediately began to protect the city’s most valuable treasures. This conversion will cover the many dangers that the Florentine cultural heritage was subjected to by German and allied armies, the different strategies adopted to save it and their efficacy. Discover how joint allied and Italian forces united to recover works of art plundered by the Nazis and how, even in very recent times, paintings plundered in WWII were returned to Florentine museums.

“Alessandra was outstanding.”

Led by art historian Alessandra Becucci, this interactive seminar will broaden the understanding of the cultural value of Florence’s artistic heritage in a historical perspective. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased comprehension for the urgency to protect endangered cultural heritage as an expression of human spirit and freedom.

“She was wonderful. I could have listened for hours. I hope she does more conversations.”

Born and raised in Florence, Alessandra has a degree in art history from the University of Florence with a specialization in seventeenth-century painting. She obtained an MRes from the European University Institute in Florence, where she defended her Ph.D in history, focusing on the patronage of Tuscan nobility in Europe during the seventeenth century. She has been teaching art history and Italian for several years in various schools and institutions in Florence.

This conversation is suitable for all ages

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.