The Arno’s Secrets: Florence’s 1966 Flood and Lost Treasures

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.

This story is part of a wider thread of Florentine folklore — continue with the Pazzi Conspiracy and the Medici’s darkest hour or the ghost lore of Palazzo Vecchio and the Bargello.

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.

Prefer a private route through this story instead? Our tailored private tours can be shaped around Florence’s hidden history, paced and narrated for you specifically — or, if a bespoke itinerary isn’t what you need right now, the ready-made option below is a dependable alternative.

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 — and a practical choice if a fully custom itinerary isn’t in your budget this time.

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.