Florence American Cemetery and Memorial

The basics

The cemetery’s manicured lawns along the Greve River are home to long rows of white marble burial markers, primarily honoring casualties from the United States Fifth Army, which fought in battles across central and northern Italy after Rome was captured in 1944. In addition to honoring the fallen, visitors can take in the memorial center’s multi-denominational church and “Tablets of the Missing”, listing soldiers missing in battle. Located just south of Florence outside the town of Tavarnuzze, you can visit the cemetery as part of a driving tour of the Tuscan countryside.

Things to know before you go

• A staff member is on duty in the visitor center for information and to escort family members to grave and memorial sites.
• The cemetery is primarily grassy lawn, which may be hard to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller. The entrance and memorial center are paved.
• The burial grounds and memorial center are solemn sites, and respectful decorum is required.
• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather to visit this sprawling outdoor site.

How to get there

The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial is located near the town of Tavarnuzze, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Florence and near the Firenze-Impruneta exit from the A-1 Autostrada. Alternatively, take the Firenze-Poggibonsi or Firenze-Gaiole in Chianti bus lines.

When to get there

The cemetery is open daily from morning until early evening, and closes only on Christmas and New Year’s Day. The outdoor site is best toured on a clear day in spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild.

The Memorial Monument

Set on a broad terrace overlooking the wide expanse of lawn, the memorial monument has a tall obelisk and two open courts, joined by the “Tablets of the Missing” in the center. The south court leads to the cemetery chapel and the north is decorated with engraved marble maps that illustrate the military achievements of American armed forces in this region.