The first time I visited the American Cemetery in Florence was during my teenage years. I was accompanying my father on a business trip, and the beautiful landscape along the roadside piqued my curiosity.
When I asked my father about it, he explained that it was the Florence American Cemetery, the final resting place for soldiers who fought in World War II. That day, we were the only visitors at the cemetery, and it was a delightful sunny summer afternoon. I can still recall the refreshing breeze as we walked through the lush grass.
As I observed the Latin crosses and Stars of David scattered across the grass and read the names of the fallen soldiers, I imagined what their lives were like before the war. Even for those graves without a name, I contemplated the loved ones they left behind.
I felt a profound sense of gratitude for their bravery and sorrow for the nameless soldiers who had no one to mourn for them. Thanks to their sacrifices, along with the Italian partisans, Italy eventually gained freedom from occupation and the threats of Nazi fascism.
The Florence American Cemetery
The Florence American Cemetery, also referred to as Cimitero dei Falciani, spans 70 acres in southern Florence. It stands as one of fourteen permanent American military cemeteries dedicated to World War II located outside of the United States.
This site was liberated by the South African 6th Armoured Division on August 3, 1944, and subsequently became part of the U.S. Fifth Army’s territory. The cemetery is bordered by rolling hills and the Greve River.
The location was chosen after surveying numerous temporary cemeteries established in northern Italy during the war. This site faced fewer objections compared to others. Here, 4,402 servicemen and women rest in peace, making up 39% of the temporary burials that took place between Rome and the Alps. Sadly, 1,409 soldiers remain missing in action. Most of those buried here lost their lives during the battles to take Rome in June 1944.
The cemetery honors three Medal of Honor recipients: two are interred here, while one is memorialized. The architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White designed the cemetery, with landscaping by fellow New Yorkers Clarke and Rapuano.
Location of the Florence American Cemetery
The cemetery is situated on the southern outskirts of Florence, specifically within the municipality of Tavarnuzze, in the direction of Siena.
There are two entrances along the Via Cassia, both leading visitors along the eastern bank of the Greve River, where parking areas, offices, and a visitors’ building are located. A small bridge spans the river, connecting the two banks. On the western bank, you will find the graves, memorial, service area, and superintendent’s quarters.
A beautifully maintained grass mall, lined with trees on both sides, divides the area into two sections, featuring 76 Stars of David and 4,322 Latin crosses.
The Memorial of the Florence American Cemetery
The Memorial of the Florence American Cemetery features two open atriums, a connecting wall displaying tablets with the names of the Missing from the region, and a chapel.
The Atrium
The open atriums contain a stele crowned with a sculpture that represents the Spirit of Peace.
The Wall
The wall bears not only the names of the heroes who perished in the war but also various military insignias, including those for Armor, Gunner’s Mate, Aerial Gunner, Coast Artillery Corps, Boatswain’s Mate, Army Air Corps, Corps of Engineers, Infantry, Christian Chaplain, Jewish Chaplain, Field Artillery, Medical Corps, Signal Corps, Machinist’s Mate, and Aerial Bombardier. Along the western wall, there are two military operation maps that commemorate the US Army’s achievements in Northern Italy.
The Chapel
The chapel features a carved figure on the door that portrays “The Spirit of American Youth,” alongside an American Eagle.
Flight of Honor – Florence American (WWII) Cemetery
Visiting the American Cemetery in Florence
The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on December 25 and January 1. It remains accessible during host country holidays. During open hours, a staff member is present at the visitors’ building to answer questions and guide relatives to graves and memorial sites. For more information, please visit the official website of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The cemetery’s address is: Via Cassia S.N. 50023 Tavarnuzze (Firenze) Impruneta, Italy. Tel: +39 055 202 0020. Email for inquiries.
Photo credits: American Battle Monuments Commission
