San Gimignano in Provincia di Siena, Tuscany, Italy — Southern and Western Europe (Mediterranean)
Leopold II
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 27, 2025
1. Leopoldo Secondo / Leopold II Marker
A eterna memoria del giorno ottavo di aprile 1835. A questa terra e a questa casa faustissimo per la gioja e I beneficj che in breve oravi sparse l'augusto il benefico il padre Leopoldo Secondo
[English translation of Italian text:]
In eternal memory of the eighth day of April 1835. To this land and to this house most auspicious for the joy and benefits that in a short time the august and beneficent Father Leopold II spread there.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is April 8, 1835.
Location. 43° 28.056′ N, 11° 2.689′ E. Marker is in San Gimignano, Toscana (Tuscany), in Provincia di Siena. It is on Via del Castello east of Piazza della Cisterna. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Gimignano, Toscana 53037, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Adamo Borri (here, next to this marker); The Freeing of 72 Political Prisoners in 1944 (within shouting distance of this marker); Il Convento di San Domenico / The Convent of San Domenico (within shouting distance of this marker); Fra Giorlamo Savonarola (within shouting distance of this marker); Palazzo della Cancelleria / Chancellery Palace (about 180 meters away, measured in
this page online
Regarding Leopold II. Leopold II served as the last ruling Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1824 until 1859. It could not be immediately determined what the link is between Leopold II, San Gimignano or the building where this plaque is located, and the date at the beginning of the inscription, April 8, 1835.
Originally known for allowing reforms in his realm, Leopold became increasingly unpopular during the final years of his reign as he tried to tamp down those changes, and as the Austrians occupied the region in the early 1850s. Leopold abdicated the throne in 1859 with a plan to be succeeded by his son, Ferdinand IV, but was never able to take the throne. In 1860, Tuscany became part of what would soon be called the Kingdom of Italy.
Also see . . . Britannica: Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Excerpt: "Despite the end of Austrian occupation(Submitted on August 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)in 1855, Leopolds prestige remained low. He refused the popular demand to join the French and Sardinians in their war against Austria in 1859, and, in the face of mounting opposition, he quietly left Tuscany (April 27) to abdicate in favour of his son Ferdinand IV (July), who never reigned."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 27, 20252. Leopold II Marker on Via Castello
Painting by Pietro Benvenuti; Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, 1828
3. Leopold II (1797-1870)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
