One of the main jewels in the necklace of towns of Tuscany is Empoli. This Italian city was an important river port and traffic junction between Florence and Pisa. Visiting Empoli you will discover excellent examples of Italian church and inimitable Palazzo architecture.
The heart of Empoli is typically the square Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, surrounded by arcades and featuring the fountain of Luigi Pampaloni followed by four lions of Piazza del Leoni. But the main attractions encouraging visit to Empoli are churches starting from iconic and ancient Collegiata di Sant'Andrea created in 5th century – an excellent example of Romanesque architecture. The church was rebuilt in the 11th century using chrome marble stones inspired by famous basilica of San Miniato in Florence: the lower part of the original decoration remains until today. The Collegiate Church of San Andrea hosts Francesco Botticini paintings, terracotta by Luca della Robbia and more valuable artworks produced in Empoli and Tuscany.
One more reason to visit Empoli is great example of Italian Palazzo architecture represented by Palazzo Ghibellino and Palazzo Pretorio. Ghibellino Palace was probably erected in the 11th century as former palace of the Guidi counts while Pretorio is an ex Town Hall built in the Middle Ages.
Contact farmhouse Borgo La Casaccia and organize the best way to explore the treasures of Empoli and Tuscany province.