Sannoner Historic District: A Step Back in Time

The Sannoner Historic District, nestled between downtown Florence and the University of North Alabama, is a treasure trove of architectural styles and local history. Named after Ferdinand Sannoner, the Italian-born surveyor who laid out the city in 1818, the district showcases a blend of Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, and early 20th-century designs. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, with updates in 2018, the district represents three major phases of residential development in Florence.Strolling through the district, visitors can admire the six antebellum homes, more than any other historic district in Florence, that once belonged to wealthy planters, lawyers, and merchants. Courtview, a Greek Revival mansion built in 1855, stands as the centerpiece, dominating the district from its hilltop location at the end of Court Street. Other notable structures include Wakefield, believed to be the first brick house in Florence, dating back to 1825. The Medical Arts Building, constructed in 1826 in the Spanish Revival style, is also a significant landmark.As you explore, take note of the Gothic Revival Trinity Episcopal Church and the various Victorian houses built during Florence's late 19th and early 20th-century economic booms. The district also features houses in the bungalow, Neoclassical, and Tudor Revival styles, reflecting the diverse tastes and influences that shaped Florence's development.