A 60-meter crane that has stood in Florence's city center for nearly 20 years, opposite the Uffizi Galleries, is finally set to be removed. The 'metal monster' became a symbol of Italy's bureaucracy due to the high cost and complex permissions required for its removal. Local entrepreneurs funded the €180,000 cost, and dismantling begins June 16, with a celebration on June 21 attended by Italy's culture minister.
Florence finally to be rid of notorious 60-metre crane after two decades
ItalyWorld
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A 60-meter crane that has stood in Florence's city center for nearly 20 years, opposite the Uffizi Galleries, is finally set to be removed. The 'metal monster' became a symbol of Italy's bureaucracy due to the high cost and complex permissions required for its removal. Local entrepreneurs funded the €180,000 cost, and dismantling begins June 16, with a celebration on June 21 attended by Italy's culture minister.
- 1 2006: Crane installed in Florence.
- 2 Almost 20 years: Crane remained despite attempts to remove it.
- 3 June 16 (implied 2025): Dismantling of the crane begins.
- 4 June 21 (implied 2025): Celebration for the crane's removal.
- Restoration of Florence's skyline and aesthetic beauty
- Symbol of triumph over bureaucracy and good administration
- Uffizi seen as a model for cultural efficiency
- Ongoing construction works to be completed with a less invasive hoist
What: The removal of a controversial 60-meter crane that has been in Florence's city center for nearly 20 years, obstructing the view of the Uffizi Galleries.
When: The crane was installed in 2006. Dismantling will begin on June 16 (implied 2025), culminating in a celebration on June 21 (implied 2025).
Where: Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Specifically, in a square opposite the Uffizi Galleries and on the terrace of the Loggia dei Lanzi.
Why: The crane, initially installed for the Uffizi Galleries' expansion, remained due to high cost and bureaucratic hurdles, becoming a 'metal monster' and symbol of sluggish bureaucracy. Its removal is desired to restore Florence's aesthetic beauty and improve the city's image.
How: Local entrepreneurs responded to an appeal from Uffizi director Simone Verde and collectively covered the €180,000 (£152,000) cost for the crane's removal. The dismantling will begin on June 16, followed by a celebration on June 21. A less invasive and more sustainable hoist will replace it for ongoing works.