Since November 6, 1995, it has been classified as a monument historique (National Heritage Site of France).

It is the work of French architect Gustave Umbdenstock and the engineer Raoul Dautry employed by the Compagnie des chemins de fer du Nord.

The decision to build the tower was made following the development of the railway station of Hirson, which, due to the development of the local mining and metallurgical industry, became the second most important French rail junction (after Paris) in the early twentieth century.

It was built in 1920-1921, in reinforced concrete, and based on the traditional brick Art déco style of northern belfries.

The name Florentine is explained by reference to typical buildings of Florence or the fact that the contractor who built the Tower of Lens was Florentine.