Jewish Monumental Cemetery
Jewish culture, in accordance with rigid biblical teaching, does not appreciate the idea of glamor and wealth, so monumental tombs are usually very rare. There are only three in this cemetery, lined up along the central avenue with cypresses and dating back to the period after the unification of Italy, when the Kingdom was excommunicated by Pope Pius IX and religious minorities were able to enjoy a tolerant climate.
The first of the Levi family has a pyramidal shape that recalls the Egyptian tombs with references to the symbolic tradition of French Enlightenment: the triangle seen as a perfect figure that pervades perfection. The pyramid is placed on a tall base, made of squared blocks of stone and illuminated inside by a small eye on the south side, as well as from the entrance door. The latter is crowned by a triangular pediment and the family coat of arms. In the cell are still visible twisted crowns of flowers and leaves, probably left there by the original funeral ritual.
The second chapel, next to the pyramid, is smaller and even inspired by the neo-gestic style. It belonged to the Servadio family and was executed around 1875. It has beam columns and inside the sculpted symbol of winged sun; on the underlying sarcophagus a crown is carved. The coat of arms is on the stand. Today the exterior of the chapel is largely hidden by vegetation.
The third chapel of the Franchetti family was probably designed by architect Marco Treves also author of the synagogue in Florence and the resettlement of the small building at the entrance. It is a kiosk covered with a barrel vault. The walls are open and marked by pillars, with a cornice running outside and an arched pediment, all finely decorated.
The site is of historical and artistic interest for the tombs (the oldest date back to the 18th century), surrounded by multi-storey houses, which somewhat depict the decadent and romantic charm. The part on the left of the entrance was expropriated by the Commune to erect a dispensary, today asylum: there were tombs of the 18th century, which on that occasion were dismantled and recompiled to the best and best in the area near the entrance, with some inscriptions mounted. No grave has the image of the deceased, according to Jewish custom.
The Jewish cemetery of Viale Ariosto is open every last Sunday of the month or by private appointment.
How to get there: 1-minute walk from Porta San Frediano
15-minute walk from the train station SMN
Public transport lines: 6, 12, D, stop Soderini 03
Jewish Monumental Cemetery
The cemetary was built in 1777 outside the San Frediano gate and remained in operation until 1870 when a new one was opened in Caciolle, in the Rifredi area.The site is of historical and artistic interest for the tombs (the oldest date back to the 18th century), surrounded by multi-storey houses, which somewhat depict the decadent and romantic charm. Jewish culture, in accordance with rigid biblical teaching, does not appreciate the idea of glamor and wealth, so monumental tombs are usually very rare. There are only three in this cemetery, lined up along the central avenue with cypresses and dating back to the period after the unification of Italy, when the Kingdom was excommunicated by Pope Pius IX and religious minorities were able to enjoy a tolerant climate. The first of the Levi family has a pyramidal shape that recalls the Egyptian tombs with references to the symbolic tradition of French Enlightenment: the triangle seen as a perfect figure that pervades perfection. The pyramid is placed on a tall base, made of squared blocks of stone and illuminated inside by a small eye on the south side, as well as from the entrance door. The latter is crowned by a triangular pediment and the family coat of arms. In the cell are still visible twisted crowns of flowers and leaves, probably left there by the original funeral ritual. The second chapel, next to the pyramid, is smaller and even inspired by the neo-gestic style. It belonged to the Servadio family and was executed around 1875. It has beam columns and inside the sculpted symbol of winged sun; on the underlying sarcophagus a crown is carved. The coat of arms is on the stand. Today the exterior of the chapel is largely hidden by vegetation. The third chapel of the Franchetti family was probably designed by architect Marco Treves also author of the synagogue in Florence and the resettlement of the small building at the entrance. It is a kiosk covered with a barrel vault. The walls are open and marked by pillars, with a cornice running outside and an arched pediment, all finely decorated. The site is of historical and artistic interest for the tombs (the oldest date back to the 18th century), surrounded by multi-storey houses, which somewhat depict the decadent and romantic charm. The part on the left of the entrance was expropriated by the Commune to erect a dispensary, today asylum: there were tombs of the 18th century, which on that occasion were dismantled and recompiled to the best and best in the area near the entrance, with some inscriptions mounted. No grave has the image of the deceased, according to Jewish custom. The Jewish cemetery of Viale Ariosto is open every last Sunday of the month or by private appointment. How to get there: 1-minute walk from Porta San Frediano 15-minute walk from the train station SMN Public transport lines: 6, 12, D, stop Soderini 03
Submitted by LR · Aug 25, 2025
Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian Food
A historic restaurant of Jewish cuisine in Florence featuring kosher and vegetarian dishes as well as a wide choice of kosher wines. Catering available for Shabbat and events. Located in the old Jewish quarter of Florence, Sant’Ambrogio, next to the Synagogue.
Submitted by LR · Aug 25, 2025
Jewish Deportations Memorial at Platform 16.
At the head of Platform 16 at the Maria Novella train station in Florence is a significant monument commemorating the 300 people who were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp on November 9, 1943 aboard a train that left from that very platform. This memorial sculpture and steel plaque at Platform 16 at the train station is a striking memorial.
Submitted by LR · Aug 25, 2025
Great Synagogue of Florence
Florence’s richly decorated Great Synagogue, completed in 1882, stands as one of the most luxurious of those erected after the Jews’ emancipation. Begun in November 1870 and officially opened in 1882. it was designed in the midst of the Italian Jews’ “Emancipation” which ensured that it was an extremely innovative and unique building. In fact, the Jewish synagogue of Florence is one of the most important examples anywhere in Europe of the exotic Moresque style combining elements of Arab, Romanesque and Byzantine art. Of top priority was the building of a synagogue “worthy of Florence.” One land purchased at what was then the city’s edge, the Jewish community erected a structure inspired by the Byzantine church in Constantinople, Hagia Sophia. The prayer hall is a jewel in its own right. Its walls are painted with arabesques with gold highlights and geometrical motifs that uplift the visitor’s gaze towards the large dome over the crossing. The imposing façade with its white travertine and pink limestone cladding, the copper-clad central dome and the towers on either side all come together to make it the “monumental synagogue worthy of Florence” envisaged by Cavalier David Levi in 1868 and still today the heart and soul of Jewish life in the city. The capacity is one thousand seats. The synagogue is distinctive because it reflects the influences of Catholicism, in its pulpit, which is at the top of a winding staircase, and in its use of the organ on some holidays. The Great Synagogue is officially Orthodox, following an Italo-Sephardic ritual, it permits deviations. The Jewish Museum is situated inside the synagogue on two floors of the monumental building that hosts the prayer hall. Museum opening hours From 1st June to 30th September: Sunday to Thursday 10.00 am – 6.30 pm – Friday 10.00 am–5.00 pm From 1st October to 31st May: Sunday to Thursday 10.00 am – Friday 10.00 am–3.00 pm
Submitted by LR · Aug 21, 2025