Empoli

Welcome to Empoli, a city that often resides in the formidable shadow of Florence but possesses a profound identity rooted in the medieval struggles of Tuscany. As we stand here in the central pulse of the city, we are treading…

This square serves as the emotional and architectural anchor of Empoli, named after the man who saved Florence from destruction during the Ghibelline council held here. As you look around, the space opens up into a theater of…

Before you stands the Collegiata di Sant'Andrea, a masterpiece that represents a rare and elite group of buildings in the Florentine Romanesque style. Its facade is a striking geometric arrangement of white Carrara and green…

The 'giro d'empoli' is more than just a walk; it is a historical phenomenon that shaped the urban layout and social dynamics of the city. The route follows a nearly perfect quadrilateral: from the main square, it passes through…

Empoli is synonymous with a very specific artisanal craft: the production of green glass. For centuries, the workshops of this city have produced the iconic 'bottiglioni'—large, round, green glass bottles protected by woven straw. …

To understand Empoli, one must eat as the Empolese do, embracing the 'cucina povera' that has been elevated to an art form. While Empoli shares many recipes with Florence, it maintains a pride in local ingredients like the…

Only a short distance from the center of Empoli lies the locality of Vinci, the birthplace of the ultimate Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci. Although Empoli is an independent civic entity, its history and identity are…

As our journey through Empoli draws to a close, we are left with the impression of a city that is both deeply traditional and quietly innovative. From the strategic Ghibelline councils that shaped the fate of Tuscany to the…