Travel Trip

For centuries, Florence, Italy has been the heart of the artistic world, the cradle for all its forms and expressions. Its artistic heritage has drawn admirers from across the globe, making it one of the world’s most well-liked tourist spots. There was a time, however, when this was not the case.

During WWII soldiers stormed into Europe and Italy, and Florence became a battleground. All of her cultural treasures, museums, churches, and cathedrals were no longer the focus of attention. As part of the sad reality of war, many who came did not go back home. Florence regained its freedom thanks to the brave who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In honor of those fallen heroes, the Florence American Cemetery was established pay tribute to their sacrifice. Located just 10km south of Florence, the Cemetery is easily accessible by car from the Rome-Milan motorway, and there’s even a convenient bus stop located right by the entrance.

The Cemetery encompasses seventy well maintained acres framed by wooded hills. A variety of trees, bushes, and manicured lawns provide beautiful landscaping worthy of the heroes buried there. A bridge leads you to the site where 4,402 headstones mark the final resting places of the American soldiers who died there. Most of the men buried in the Florence America Cemetery died in the fighting that took place after Rome was captured in 1944. Following the liberation of Rome, the Allies maintained their pursuit of the enemy. By July 1944, the U.S. Fifth Army advanced 150 miles up the west coast and liberated Livorno.
Most of the soldiers are from the 5th United States Army, while others are those who fell during heavy combat in the Apennines after the battle for Rome.

The headstones are arranged in symmetrical rows along the hillside, just under a large sculpture of the spirit of peace. The memorial contains “Tablets of the Missing” that contain the inscriptions of 1,409 American soldiers known to have died in the war, but who rest in unmarked, unknown graves. The north atrium holds the marble operations maps highlighting the accomplishments of the American Armed Forces in the area throughout World War II.
The Cemetery and monument were designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White. The landscaping was design by the firm of Clarke and Rapuano. The cemetery is operated by the American Battles Monuments Commission, and is open year round during regular business hours.