In 1865, when Florence became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy - founded just four years earlier - grand plans were forged to rebuild the historic city into a modern city, worthy of a modern unified Italy. The plans included open squares, wide boulevards and monumental buildings. The historic buildings were considered a symbol of the old, divided Italy and were to be demolished.In 1871 the capital of Italy was moved to Rome but Florence decided to move ahead with the plans nonetheless. Demolition of the historic center, one of the city's most densely populated areas, started in 1885.The most prominently visible structure on the square is the triumphal arch, known as the Arcone. It was erected in 1895 as part of the redevelopment plans. An inscription on the arch alludes to the demolition of the historic buildings: freely translated it says 'the old city was put out of its misery and brought back to life'.