In The Heart Of Florence, A Square Named After Salvatore And Wanda Ferragamo

Salvatore and Wanda Ferragamo are commemorated in the heart of Florence where Ponte Vecchio, via dei Bardi and via Guicciardini meet. The square leading to Ponte Vecchio will now be called ‘Piazzetta Salvatore e Wanda Ferragamo’.

The Ferragamo Family and city officials attended the commemoration ceremony.

Mayor Dario Nardella, together with the Palazzo Vecchio council, memorialized Salvatore and Wanda Ferragamo, entrepreneurs who contributed to the economic and cultural development of Florence, forging deep ties to the city that live on still today.

In 1927, after having started his business and made a name for himself in the United States as the “Shoemaker of Dreams”, Salvatore Ferragamo, fascinated by the city's unparalled history and profound values its artisans embraced and poured into their work, decided to establish his company in Florence.

When Salvatore died in 1960, it fell to his wife Wanda to develop the business that he began. With her tenacity, passion and devotion, she transformed the company into an international fashion label, realizing her husband's dream of 'dressing a woman from head to toe'.

“We believe that this tribute celebrates the great humanistic, historic and artistic qualities that Florence has inspired in its people through its history,” said their children, Giovanna, Ferruccio, Leonardo and Massimo.

"Florence held an immense appeal for our father, who chose to make it his home for his family and his work.

“Our mother was able to carry on where he left off, always reaching new horizons and sharing and exalting his values and the example that he set for her family and workers. These are the people who have supported the development of our business and to whom we express our sincere gratitude.

“This is the essence of the Florence that we love, the Florence that our mother loved so deeply that she sent a moving farewell letter in a final show of affection to this marvellous city.

“And this is the Florence that once again honours her and our father with this special place named after them.”

Mayor Dario Nardella explained, "Florence could not help but honour the Ferragamo family who have given so much to the city in the field of fashion, creativity and Made in Italy products. We chose a special place for them, a small corner in the heart of the city, a step away from Ponte Vecchio. Salvatore and Wanda's children told me how their parents enjoyed walking in this area and we are very proud to dedicate this space to two people who worked in Florence with humility, passion, tenacity and foresight, making our city famous around the world. This square is a way for us to express our gratitude."