From the mid-eighteenth century onwards, the Grand Dukes of Lorena encouraged
numerous redevelopment and land drainage initiatives, which improved life conditions in
Tuscany. The Lorena, as well as the Medici, had a very important role regarding this region’s
growth and development. They were great benefactors and illuminated politicians who
surrounded themselves with the best artists, architects and scientists of their time. Among
their most significant reforms we remember abolishing torture and death penalties, following Cesare Beccaria’s principles.