Hidden treasures

The birth of Tennis in Florence

Did you know that...
Tennis_Firenze

The birth of Tennis in Florence

That modern tennis was born in Wimbledon is a fact everyone knows; however, it isn’t as known that the term 'tennis' was used for the first time in Florence where, already in the 14th century, people played ‘pallacorda’, the main ancestor of this racquet sport. Rules and instruments were quite similar to those used today in squash.

The term 'tennis' does not have Anglo-Saxon origins as many of you might expect, but rather French roots. First things first! In the manuscript 'Chronicle of Florence' by Donato Velluti, the event which marked the invention and spread of the term 'tennis' is described, namely the visit of some French knights to the Tuscan capital in the year 1325. These gentlemen used to warn their match opponents that the ball was coming by shouting 'tenez!'- a word which over time and passing the Channel was modified until it reached the definitive form of 'tennis'.

‘Pallacorda’, as well as tennis and similar sports, have retained a widespread  popularity in Florence: just think that Sferisterio delle Cascine, the tennis field used, still exists and two more - one at Cure and the other one outside Porta a Pinti - survived until the end of the nineteenth century, overtaken by various regulatory plans.

As you have understood by reading this anecdote, the city of Florence has been a pioneer in sports activities and not just tennis! Do you know the 'Calcio Fiorentino', the sport that was already played in Florence in the fifteenth century? It is the ancestor of modern football and every year, in Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, teams challenge each other ruthlessly in a truly adrenaline-filled historical re-enactment!

If you are fond of sports and physical activity in general, we recommend taking part in our 'Florence by bike' tour to explore the 'Pearl of the Renaissance' in an alternative and ‘green’ way!

By Insidecom Editorial Staff

Latest posts

Siena: Ricciarelli: Siena’s sweets hailing from the far East.

ricciarelli-
Local Traditions

Alongside panforte, they are among Siena’s sweets that best represent the city. Just thinking about their orange and vanilla scent, s...

View

Florence: Who invented the bistecca alla fiorentina?

bistecca
Local Traditions

The Florentine beefsteak is the undisputed queen of Tuscany’s gastronomy. Including the bone, and strictly cooked in ‘blood’ (i.e...

View

Tuscany: Ferdinando Innocenti: the inventor of the Lambretta.

Lambretta
Big Names

There is no doubt that Tuscany is a land of inventors. Just think of Leonardo da Vinci! Ferdinando Innocenti is also one of them. Do yo...

View

Florence: Negroni was born in Florence!

Negroni
Did you know that...

Now that Mojito and Moscow Mule are all the rage as aperitifs, there are classic cocktails that have stood the test of time and moods. ...

View

Top posts

Arezzo: Guido d'Arezzo and the invention of the music

Guido-d-Arezzo
Big Names

In Talla and surroundings people have no doubt: the inventor of the musical stave, the inventor of the music notes and also of the mode...

View

Pistoia: The Kiss of the Christs in Gavinana

Il-bacio-dei-cristi
Local Traditions

It is a very ancient but still popular rite. Two large processions that meet up with a Christ on the cross in front of each one: the he...

View

Siena: Piero Carbonetti and his tin drum

Piero-Carbonetti
Local Traditions

Subversive, persecuted, anarchist, homeless, dreamer: it is really difficult to define Piero Carbonetti, Tuscan bred and born and Garib...

View

Pisa: Kinzika, the young woman who saved Pisa from the Saracens

Kinzika
Local Traditions

It was really her, a young woman with an Arabian name, Kinzica, of the noble Sismondi family, to save Pisa from being sacked by Saracen...

View