Stadio Comunale
Italian for "municipal stadium," referring to stadiums across Italy and Italian Switzerland.
Stadio Comunale is Italian for "municipal stadium", and may refer to a main stadium in many towns in Italy and Italian Switzerland.
- Opening Year
- 1931
- Renamed Year
- 1991
- Location
- Florence, Italy
- Primary Tenant
- ACF Fiorentina
Lore & Background
The term appears in the names of numerous stadiums across Italy and Switzerland, including Stadio Tommaso Fattori in L'Aquila, Stadio Città di Arezzo, Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna, Stadio Sant'Elia in Cagliari, Stadio Comunale (Chiavari), Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, Stadio Olimpico Comunale in Grosseto, Nuovo Stadio Comunale in Lumezzane, Stadio Comunale Giovanni Celeste in Messina, Stadio Marcello Melani in Pistoia, Stadio Comunale (Pizzighettone), Stadio Comunale Mario Battaglini in Rovigo, Stadio Comunale (Teramo), Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in Turin, Stadio Comunale di Monigo in Treviso, and Stadio Comunale in Mogliano Veneto. In Switzerland, examples include Stadio Comunale Bellinzona, Stadio Comunale (Chiasso), and Stadio del Lido in Locarno.
In Their Own Story
On 27 October 1954, a reserve game between Fiorentina and nearby rivals Pistoiese was under way at the Stadio Artemio Franchi when a group of UFOs traveling at high speed abruptly stopped over the stadium. The stadium became silent as the crowd of around 10,000 spectators witnessed the event and described the UFOs as cigar shaped. The sighting went on for several minutes, before "silvery glitter" fell down and covered the entire stadium. The substance was also seen falling elsewhere the same day, whereafter "shiny balls" had been observed. It was suggested that the most likely explanation was that the silk of mass migrating spiders had agglomerated high in the atmosphere. However, this suggestion was contradicted by the chemical analysis of the substance that was undertaken at the Institute of Chemical Analysis at University of Florence, which found it to contain boron, silicon, calcium and magnesium, which according to science writer Philip Ball, did not seem to match with the spider theory.
Reader's Guide
The source lists specific stadiums under this name but does not provide further details about their history or current status.
Did You Know?
- Stadio Comunale translates directly to "municipal stadium" in Italian.
- The list includes stadiums in both Italy and Italian-speaking Switzerland.
- Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence is one of the entries under this term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Stadio Comunale?
It was Fiorentina's original home ground in Florence, serving as their primary venue from 1931 until 1963. Built for the 1934 World Cup, this grass stadium hosted the club's formative years before being renamed.
Why is the Stadio Comunale era important to Fiorentina?
This period marks the foundation of the Viola's identity, as the team established its reputation in Serie A and European competition within these walls. It represents the historic heart of the club before the tragedy that led to its renaming.
When did the stadium stop being called Stadio Comunale?
The venue ceased using this name in 1963, shortly after a tragic event involving the players and fans. Following this date, it was renamed to honor the former club president Artemio Franchi.
Where exactly is the historic stadium located?
Located in Florence, Italy, this ground stood as the central hub for Fiorentina matches during its operational years. It remains a key location in the city's football history despite no longer existing under that name.
What major events took place at the Stadio Comunale?
The stadium hosted everything from intense local derbies to significant continental European challenges during Fiorentina's rise. Its legacy includes being the site of the club's early successes before the 1960s transition.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Fiorentina universe
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