The song echoes from the countryside towards Siena along the banks of the Arno. The ominous refrain is unbearable to the ears of the free republican Florentines:
“Florence, step aside, Semifonte is becoming a city.”
Thus, in 1202 (during the era of the Holy Roman Empire), the newly founded city of Semifonte, a symbol of imperial power and dominance over the valleys surrounding Florence, was attacked and completely destroyed after a four-year siege by Florentine troops.
I will now attempt to reconstruct the history of this so-called Tuscan city, which vanished forever from maps and the Tuscan landscape.
A Tumultuous Historical Context
The events take place at the beginning of the 12th century, in the midst of the fierce struggle between the German Empire (Holy Roman Empire) under Emperor Frederick I, known as Barbarossa, and the newly emerging Italian communes, supported by the Papal States.
At this time, the notorious conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines had not yet begun, but noble feudal families, controlling castles and estates outside Florence, aligned with the empire. Meanwhile, the rising class of wealthy merchants within the city favored independence, free commerce, and self-governance.
This dispute marked the gradual decline of feudalism, imposed by the German Empire, and the transformation of cities into independent communes with self-rule, driven by commerce.
The Rise of Semifonte
Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, eager to restore imperial authority in Italy, descended into the peninsula with his troops. In Florence, the Uberti family, the wealthiest and most despotic within the city walls, clashed with the Buondelmonti family, who supported Florence’s independence from imperial constraints.
Beyond the city, the powerful Alberti family, staunch imperial supporters, sought to establish an imperial stronghold near Florence to counteract its growing autonomy.
To achieve this, the Alberti decided to build a fortified city, complete with strong walls, a military presence, and an imperial administration.
They chose a strategic hilltop, well-supplied with fresh water, located between Florence and Siena. Originally called “Summofonte” (Latin for “highest spring”), the name later evolved into Semifonte.
Florence’s Resistance and the First Destruction
The very idea of an imperial city rising near Florence alarmed not only Florence itself but also Siena and Lucca.
In 1182, Florentine forces marched against the Semifonte hill, destroying the fortress of Pogna, which supervised the construction of the new city. They dispersed the laborers and razed the early structures to the ground, leaving the hill barren.
However, Count Alberto Alberti was not discouraged and quickly resumed construction.
In 1184, Florence attacked once more, reducing the rising city to ruins.
The Imperial Comeback and Semifonte’s Final Growth
In 1185, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa’s son, Henry, became King of Italy and married Constance of Sicily. This provided an opportunity for Barbarossa to reassert imperial control over Italy, including Florence.
When Barbarossa entered Tuscany, he stayed with the Ubaldini family, powerful landowners near Florence. The city, unable to resist, opened its gates to him, seemingly restoring imperial dominance.
However, a sudden geopolitical event changed everything: Saladin’s conquest of Jerusalem.
With the Third Crusade now launched, Barbarossa’s focus shifted. Many Florentines, eager to gain Papal favor, also joined the Crusade.
During this period of imperial distraction, Semifonte was rapidly rebuilt.
By 1198, it had high defensive walls, towers, churches, monasteries, and even a hospital. The city proudly displayed the imperial eagle, signifying its allegiance to the empire.
The Final Siege and the Fall of Semifonte
Florence, however, would not tolerate the threat posed by Semifonte.
In 1198, Florentine forces launched yet another campaign against the imperial city. This time, instead of direct combat, they isolated Semifonte diplomatically, persuading its allies to abandon it.
Even the Alberti family betrayed their own city, selling their rights over Semifonte to Florence for 400 pounds of silver, in exchange for keeping the land—empty and devoid of buildings.
In 1202, Florentine troops attacked the abandoned and weakened city, destroying everything. The last remaining citizens fled, and Semifonte was erased forever.
A Legacy of Ruins and Prohibition
The destruction was so complete that Florence decreed no buildings could ever be constructed on the hill again.
This ban remained in place for centuries, with only one exception: in 1957, the Chapel of San Michele was built on the summit. Designed by architect Santi di Tito, it was a miniature replica of Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Thus, a city born out of imperial ambition and erased by Florentine power left only echoes in history.
This translation keeps the historical depth and dramatic narrative while making it engaging for an English-speaking audience. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!
