Florence American Cemetery and Memorial - February 2022. Inside a cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas on a sunny winter day.
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Florence American Cemetery and Memorial

4.9
·258 reviews·Tavarnuzze, Italy

A solemn tribute in Tuscany honoring over 4,300 American WWII soldiers, offering a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Peaceful reflection time

CrowdLow
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Florence American Cemetery and Memorial - February 2022. Inside a cemetery in New Braunfels, Texas on a sunny winter day.

Florence American Cemetery and Memorial

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Peaceful reflection time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn tribute in Tuscany honoring over 4,300 American WWII soldiers, offering a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.

4.9
(258 reviews)

"A stunning tribute to the US soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

Vertical photo
TIP

Dress Respectfully

Opt for modest attire to show respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress:

Allow Ample Time

Give yourself time to wander and reflect; it's a moving experience. :stopwatch:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea of White Crosses

Sea of White Crosses

Main Cemetery Grounds

Thousands of white marble headstones create a poignant landscape, honoring fallen WWII soldiers.

Walls of the Missing

Walls of the Missing

Memorial Building

A solemn tribute to over 1,400 American service members whose remains were never recovered.

Tuscan Hillside Setting

Tuscan Hillside Setting

Surrounding Grounds

Nestled in the beautiful Tuscan hills, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop to the memorial.

Planning Your Visit

Respectful Visitation

This is a solemn memorial. Dress respectfully, maintain a quiet demeanor, and be mindful that this is a place of remembrance for fallen soldiers. Visitors have noted strictness about straying from designated paths.Reddit

Timing Your Visit

While open daily, consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Memorial Day ceremonies are significant events, drawing larger crowds but offering a powerful experience.Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Peaceful reflection time
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring (May)
Why
Memorial Day ceremonies
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 A moving tribute: World War II Pvt. Merlyn K. Scholz’s daughter honors her father at his final resting place in Italy, bringing his Purple Heart to remember his sacrifice. 📍 Scholz is buried at plot H, row 13, grave 29 at Florence American Cemetery, Italy. #WWII #WW2 #worldwar2 #militaryhistory #ww2history #WW2heroes #weremember #purpleheart #nevada #family #florence #firenze #italy #italia #a...
usabmc
632 likes • 0 views

Dress Respectfully

Opt for modest attire to show respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress: Reddit

Allow Ample Time

Give yourself time to wander and reflect; it's a moving experience. :stopwatch: Reddit

L’avventura Italiana di James Madio alias Frank J Perconte nelle serie “Band of Brothers” inizia con le emozioni più solenni; nella splendida cornice del Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, dopo aver letto con noi i nomi dei ragazzi che caddero proprio nella battaglia di Monte Altuzzo, l’attore si cimenta in un inaspettato “folding flag”. Un grazie a Chiara per la calorosa accoglienza. ” #ww2...
goticatoscana
143 likes • 0 views
🇺🇸 MEMORIAL DAY – 26 MAGGIO 📍 Florence American Cemetery Una giornata solenne, carica di memoria e gratitudine. Rita e Arturo, in rappresentanza del nostro museo, hanno partecipato alla commemorazione ufficiale al Cimitero Americano di Firenze, insieme ad autorità civili e militari. Un momento profondo per onorare il sacrificio di migliaia di giovani caduti per la libertà, e ricordare quanto la ...
museomemoriale
112 likes • 0 views

Parking is Free

Limited parking is available outside the entrance, and it's free to visit. :car: Reddit

Emotional Impact

Be prepared for a deeply moving and emotional experience. :pleading_face: Reddit

𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 Tucked into the hills of Tuscany, this cemetery honors over 4,300 Americans who gave their lives during WWII. From war heroes to journalists, from river borders to battlefield architects—every detail here tells a story. #WW2 #WWII #worldwar2 #florence #firenze #italy #tuscany #usmilitary #militaryhistory #visititaly #visitflorence
usabmc
106 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Dress Respectfully

Opt for modest attire to show respect for this solemn memorial site. :dress: Reddit

Allow Ample Time

Give yourself time to wander and reflect; it's a moving experience. :stopwatch: Reddit

Parking is Free

Limited parking is available outside the entrance, and it's free to visit. :car: Reddit

Emotional Impact

Be prepared for a deeply moving and emotional experience. :pleading_face: Reddit

Follow the Paths

Stick to designated paths; straying can be met with stern reminders. :noentrysign: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(258 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Florence American Cemetery as a stunning and deeply moving tribute to fallen WWII soldiers, highlighting its immaculate upkeep and serene Tuscan setting. While some find the strict adherence to rules a bit unwelcoming, the overwhelming sentiment is one of profound respect and gratitude for the opportunity to honor the sacrifices made.

"We saw this place from the road. Only a few cars can park outside and ut is free to park and visit the place. The cemetery part is well-maintained. However, to the most beautiful parts like nature or off-track fields are forbidden to even look at, and rude people remind you to that harshly, there is no kindness or hospitality. It is truly a soldier's place, you are watched and if there is something you would enjoy, you can't do it. But we saw an otter when we crossed the water on the bridge, he was super nice and welcoming!"

MacQuillan Tiarnán

"Stunning tribute to the US soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Stopped by to pay tribute to my Great Uncle 1LT Charles Mayberry."

Scott Mayberry

"A solemn and sad place.

4300 crosses are here for Americans who died in WW II.

The average age of these individuals is 19 years.

A terribly costly sacrifice that I'm afraid is now little remembered or appreciated."

Phil

What People Like

Immaculately maintained grounds
Solemn and peaceful atmosphere
Moving tribute to soldiers

What People Dislike

Strict visitor rules

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The cemetery is located south of Florence, in the town of Impruneta. It's best accessed by car, with limited free parking available outside the entrance.Reddit Public transport options are less direct, often requiring multiple bus changes. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also viable options from Florence.

The cemetery is about a 30-40 minute drive from the Florence city center, depending on traffic. It's a scenic drive through the Tuscan hills.Instagram

Yes, while a car offers the most convenience, you can reach the cemetery via taxi or a pre-booked private tour from Florence. Some visitors have arranged for drivers to make it a surprise stop.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial is free of charge. It is a place of remembrance and is open to all visitors who wish to pay their respects.Reddit

The cemetery is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures before your visit.

While there isn't a strict dress code, visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Modest clothing is recommended out of consideration for the solemn nature of the site.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the vast expanse of white marble headstones, the Walls of the Missing, a memorial chapel, and beautiful landscaping. It's a place for quiet reflection and honoring sacrifice.Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's important to be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during ceremonies.Instagram

Formal guided tours are not typically offered, but the staff and grounds are maintained with great care. Many visitors find the experience of walking the grounds and reading the inscriptions to be deeply personal and informative.Reddit

The main paths are generally well-maintained and accessible. However, some areas might be uneven, so it's advisable to check specific accessibility details if needed.

It's described as a solemn, serene, peaceful, and deeply moving place. Visitors often feel a profound sense of gratitude and remembrance.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rows of white crosses against the Tuscan landscape are iconic. The Walls of the Missing also offer powerful photographic opportunities. Early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.Instagram

Drones are generally not permitted at military cemeteries to ensure the peace and solemnity of the site. Always check specific regulations before flying any aerial equipment.

Many photos focus on the vastness of the headstones, close-ups of inscriptions, the memorial chapel, and the scenic views of the surrounding hills.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Florence American Cemetery can be a valuable educational experience for families, offering a tangible connection to history. While it's a solemn place, discussing the importance of remembrance and sacrifice in an age-appropriate manner can be impactful. Ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior throughout the visit. The open, well-maintained grounds offer space for quiet reflection, and the sheer number of crosses can be a powerful visual for understanding historical events.Reddit

🎖️ History Buffs & WWII Enthusiasts

For those passionate about World War II history, the Florence American Cemetery is a must-visit. It offers a direct connection to the sacrifices made during the Italian campaign. Take time to read the inscriptions on the Walls of the Missing and reflect on the stories of individual soldiers. Consider visiting around Memorial Day for a more immersive experience with commemorative ceremonies.Instagram+1

✈️ Day-Trippers from Florence

If you're based in Florence and have a few hours to spare, the cemetery makes for a meaningful day trip. Renting a car or hiring a taxi is the most convenient way to get there, allowing you to combine the visit with exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside.Instagram Allocate at least 2-3 hours for the visit to allow for travel and reflection.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Honoring Sacrifice: The Story of Florence American Cemetery

The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial serves as a poignant tribute to over 4,300 American service members who lost their lives during World War II, primarily during the Italian campaign. Established in the rolling hills south of Florence, this solemn site was officially dedicated on July 25, 1960.Instagram It is managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), an agency dedicated to preserving American battlefields and cemeteries abroad.

The cemetery is meticulously maintained, with each of the 4,300+ white marble headstones representing an individual's ultimate sacrifice. Beyond the graves, the Walls of the Missing honor an additional 1,409 American service members whose remains were never identified or recovered. This section is particularly moving, serving as a stark reminder of the many who disappeared during the conflict.Instagram Visitors often speak of the profound emotional impact of walking among these markers, reflecting on the youth and bravery of those interred.Reddit

Beyond its historical significance, the cemetery is also a place of natural beauty. Its location in the Tuscan countryside offers serene vistas, making it a place of both remembrance and quiet contemplation. The ABMC ensures that the grounds are kept in pristine condition, reflecting the dignity and honor due to the fallen. Special ceremonies, such as those held on Memorial Day, draw significant attention, bringing together families, officials, and local communities to commemorate the sacrifices made.Instagram+1

A Visitor's Perspective: Emotion and Respect

Visiting the Florence American Cemetery is often described as a deeply emotional and humbling experience. Many travelers, even those without a direct personal connection, find themselves moved by the sheer scale of sacrifice and the peaceful, yet somber, atmosphere. One visitor noted the stark realization that the average age of those buried there is only 19 years old, underscoring the immense cost of war.Reddit

While the cemetery is a place of profound respect, some visitors have noted that the experience can feel somewhat restrictive. Comments suggest that certain areas are off-limits, and staff are diligent in reminding visitors to stay on designated paths, which can sometimes be perceived as harsh.Reddit However, the overwhelming sentiment is one of gratitude for the opportunity to pay respects. The well-maintained grounds, clean facilities, and the serene Tuscan backdrop contribute to a powerful sense of peace and remembrance.Reddit The presence of families honoring their loved ones, like the daughter of Pvt. Merlyn K. Scholz bringing his Purple Heart, adds a deeply personal layer to the visit.Instagram

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