Carlo Maggiorelli

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Monument to Carlo Maggiorelli, 1966
Anconella water treatment plant
Via Villamagna
Florence, December 2024

“The Monument to Carlo Maggiorelli (Italian: Monumento a Carlo Maggiorelli) is a memorial dedicated to Carlo Maggiorelli, an aqueduct worker and the first victim of the devastating 1966 Florence flood (Alluvione di Firenze). It honors his heroic sacrifice during the disaster. Maggiorelli (1915–1966) was an operaio (worker) employed by the municipal aqueduct service in Florence. On the night of November 3–4, 1966, during his night shift at the Anconella water treatment plant (Impianto di Potabilizzazione dell'Anconella) on the banks of the Arno River, the river burst its banks, flooding the city with up to 6 meters (20 feet) of water and mud in some areas. Instead of fleeing, Maggiorelli stayed at his post to secure the facility and protect the water supply for Florence. He was tragically swept away by the torrent and drowned, becoming the flood's first confirmed casualty. Unveiled in 1996 at the initiative of the association Firenze Promuove, the monument is a simple yet poignant bronze plaque and bust sculpture depicting Maggiorelli in his work uniform, symbolizing labor and heroism. It was created to preserve his memory as a local hero. Situated at the main entrance to the Anconella Water Treatment Plant. Originally inside the adjacent Parco dell'Anconella, it was relocated and restored in 2016—marking the 50th anniversary of the flood—to improve visibility from the street. The site overlooks the Arno, tying directly to the events of his death.” (Monument to Carlo Maggiorelli, Grok)