Earlier this month, the mayor of Florence, Italy, presented his new book to students participating in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Syracuse University Program in Florence. Dario Nardella, mayor since 2015, took time to visit the students of Syracuse Florence to share his insights on his new book.
Mayor Nardella (left) takes a selfie with students during his visit to Syracuse Florence.
Titled “La città universale. Dai sindaci un futuro per l’Italia e l’Europa,” the book explores his ventures not only as mayor, but as a citizen of Florence. Translated to “The Universal City: A Future for Italy and Europe from the Mayors,” Mayor Nardella shares his hopes for the future of his city.
The book presentation at the Villa Rossa, the home of Syracuse Florence, was attended by students of advanced Italian classes that had read parts of the book and prepared questions for the mayor. Faculty and staff were also in attendance. After the presentation, Mayor Nardella took time to visit with students and faculty in the garden, taking photos and answering additional questions.
The mayor’s visit exemplifies the prestigious nature of Syracuse University in Florence and its direct connection to politics, its people and its evolving culture. “The Mayor reminded us of the role that Florence plays internationally, thanks to its weighty cultural heritage. Truly a touching and inspiring experience. Many thanks to our Italian department for guiding the students through the reading and understanding.” says Sasha Perugini, center director of Syracuse Florence.
Students, faculty and staff in the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Syracuse University Program in Florence enjoyed a visit by Florence Mayor Dario Nardella (tenth from right).
The book describes how Nardella’s role as mayor granted him the opportunity to get to know many cities across Europe and collaborate with their mayors and administrators. He highlights how the cities with which he has worked so closely are the present and future of Europe. The book also describes how Europe, a place for exchanging ideas, building relationships and mediating conflicts, will one day help lead a new political endeavor for a better future.
Nardella was born in Torre del Greco (Naples) on Nov. 20, 1975, and has lived in Florence since 1989. In 1998, he graduated in violin at the “L. Cherubini” in Florence and carried out his passion for music professionally until 2004. He graduated from the University of Florence with a law degree and soon after, obtained a Ph.D. in public and environmental law, then went on to teach about legislation of cultural heritage. In 2015, he was elected mayor of Florence and was reconfirmed as mayor in 2019 in the administrative elections.
