Florence’s relationship with the Arno has always been one of devotion and danger. Among the city’s quieter legends are the stories of what the river has swallowed — and occasionally given back.
The Great Flood of 1966
On 4 November 1966, the Arno burst its banks in one of the most devastating floods in the city’s modern history, submerging much of the historic centre and damaging countless artworks, an event documented in detail on the 1966 Flood of the Arno. In the aftermath, volunteers known as “Mud Angels” arrived from across the world to help save Florence’s treasures.
Treasures lost to time
Beyond the 1966 flood, centuries of war, fire and political upheaval have given rise to persistent local stories of artworks and valuables hidden or lost within the city’s oldest buildings — some rediscovered during modern restorations, others still the subject of speculation.
Frequently asked questions
What happened during the 1966 flood of Florence?
The Arno river flooded catastrophically on 4 November 1966, damaging or destroying millions of books, manuscripts and artworks, and prompting an international conservation effort still referenced today.
Who were the “Mud Angels”?
The volunteers, many of them young people from around the world, who travelled to Florence to help rescue and restore artworks and archives damaged by the 1966 flood.
Our concierge is glad to point you toward the museums and archives where this remarkable chapter of resilience is now carefully preserved.
Continue the story in person: this highly-rated small-group Uffizi Gallery tour with Vasari Corridor access is one of the best ways to see the art and history of Florence up close.
Want a guidebook to take with you? This Florence & Tuscany travel guide on Amazon is a handy companion for planning your own route through the city.
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