Situated on the left bank of the river Arno, the origins of Empoli are ancient and its past is rich in history and culture. This can be immediately seen in its artistically valuable and well-preserved centre.

The most important historical buildings of the town overlook the arcaded square, Piazza Farinata degli Uberti: the Collegiate Church of Saint Andrea, the Magisterial Palace and the Ghibelline Palace. On the right of the church is the entrance to the Museum of the Collegiate.

Among the citizens of the city, two renowned artists are particularly worthy of mention. The first one is the painter Jacopo Carrucci, known as Pontormo, who left the two paintings of St John the Evangelist and the Archangel Michael in the Church of San Michele at Pontorme. The second one is the famous pianist and composer Ferruccio Busoni, who lived at the beginning of the 20th Century. Today Empoli is a modern and elegant town rich in beautiful shops. It is a pleasure to visit the town centre in the late afternoon during the lively shopping hours.
To see is the Parish Priest Square.

HIGHLIGHTS
Chiesa Collegia di S.Andrea
Originally mentioned in a document dating from the year 780, construction of the present building wasn't begun until 1093. Its facade of two-colored marble marks the western boundary of the diffusion of the Florentine Romanesque architectural style.


Collegiate Church of S.Andrea

Museo della Collegiata
One of the oldest ecclesiastic museums, it houses authentic masterpieces of Tuscan art from the 14th to the 16th Century such as the Pieta by Ma-solino, the triptychs by Lorenzo Monaco and the Madonna Enthroned by Filippo Lippi. Don't forget to visit the upper part of the cloister, where various glazed terracottas from the Delia Robbia workshop are exhibited (,_< information).

Palazzo Ghibellino
Known by this name "since 1260 when, after the battle of Montaperti, the Ghibelli-ne parliament was held here. It is the seat of the Town Archives.

Palazzo Pretorio
It is next to the Chiesa Cbi-legiata di Sant'Andrea. You can see some original elements such as an elegant medieval arched lintel. Notice the wooden main doors of 1497.

Chiesa di S.Stefano e convento degli Agostiniani
The Church was built between 1370 and 1424, and today it houses many works of art. Next to the church is the vast Convent of the Augustinians, with its beautiful 16th Century cloister. At present, exhibitions are held there periodically and the convent.

Outside the city of empoli
It is worthwhile leaving the center of town and following the ancient Via Salaiola (at one time the transportation route to the salt-mines near Volterra) towards Monterappoli. You will pass by Corniola and Poggimele -where typical Tuscan buildings such as Villa Salvagnoli-Marchetti, Villa del Vivo, Villa II Terraio and the Small Tower of Montepaldi are located - before reaching Monterappoli, a 12th Century village containing the Parish Church of San Giovanni Evangelista. The church is situated on the top of a hill that divides the Elsa and the Orme valleys. It is one of the most important brick Romanesque buildings of the Lower Valley of the Elsa.

Pieta, Masolino Museum of the Collegiate Church.

Museo di Casa BUSONI
The great musician Ferruc-cio Busoni was born here in 1866 and he died in Berlin in 1924. The museum contains photos, portraits, and objects relating to the musical activities of the maestro. Here is the seat of Centro Studi Musicali Ferruccio Busoni, very active institution for divulgation of music.

Chiesa di S. Maria a Ripa
Dating back to the 16th Century. It was begun by the minor franciscan friars and finished in 1607. It houses works of art as some terracottas by Delia Robbia workshop and Christ with the Cross, a canvas by 0. Van-nini. Notice the Allegory of the Immaculate Conception by Jacopo Chimenti, who is called Empoli.
The Archangel Michael, Pontormo, Visit the Church of San Michele

Chiesa di S.Michele a pontorme
Located in the birthplace of the painter Pontormo, the church houses two of this celebrated painter's works, 5f John the Evangelist and the Archangel Michael.

Torrione di Santa Brigida
It is one of the remaining towers of the 15th Century city walls. Long stretches of the city walls of Empoli still exist, but only small parts can be seen outside in town, i.e. the area of Piazza XXIV Luglio - Largo della Resi-stenza. Visit the Tower of Santa Brigida.

EVENTS NOT TO MISS
Lights of the Town: The town centre of Empoli after-hours. Evenings in July, late-hour exhibitions and shows, open-air cinema and street-side theatre, as well as shops which remain open until midnight make the centre of town a cheerful and animated place to spend warm summer evenings.

"Giomate Busoniane"
A series of prestigious concerts dedicated to this celebrated Empoli musician is held from October to December at Excelsior and Shalom Theatres.

Empoli glassware
The working of glass, an artcraft tradition that dates back centuries, is stitl one of the most important
manufacturing activities in this area. Glass-makers produce works in white glass, coloured glass, crystal and in the traditional green glass of Empoli.

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