"Firenze Bella and the Great Flood of 1966: The Ruin, Rescue & Restoration" A Talk by Jan Diamond

Florence - Heart of the Italian Renaissance:  probably the richest centre of classical paintings, frescoes, sculpture, manuscripts, science, music and architecture - bequeathed the world new concepts of art, science & economics. Yet in 1966, the river Arno burst its banks in the worst flood Florence has known since 1333.  

Torrents of filthy water raced through the ancient city and its priceless collections, churches, libraries and museums. Many were killed or made homeless.  The deluge destroyed millions of ancient books, thousands of paintings, frescoes, sculptures, scientific innovations, churches and ancient buildings. 

Horrified, tens of thousands raced to Florence to help save the art and city; politicians, artists and the influential raised funds and gave their expertise. Thanks to this worldwide response, the city and many of its treasures were saved, and Florence stands again as one of the world’s most important Renaissance cities