English Cemetery, Florence Museum

The English Cemetery in Florence is a historic burial ground traditionally used by Protestant, Anglican and other non-Catholic foreigners living in or visiting Florence. It contains gravestones and memorials that reflect the expatriate communities of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The cemetery is compact and often visited for its funerary monuments and inscriptions that record the presence of artists, writers and travellers in Florence. It is typically approached as part of walks through the citys historic neighbourhoods rather than as a large park-like cemetery.

The burial ground developed to serve religious communities excluded from Catholic parish cemeteries and accumulated monuments over the 18th and 19th centuries; some graves commemorate notable foreign residents of Florence. Maintenance and access arrangements have varied over time as the city changed.

The cemetery is located within the urban area of Florence in Tuscany, within walking distance of the historic centre and many of the citys cultural attractions.

• Protestant and foreign graves: Contains graves of non-Catholic expatriates and visitors from the 19th century, and is distinct from Florences municipal cemeteries.

The cemetery is located near the main train line east of Florence’s historic center and is a short walk from Santa Maria Novella station or from the Arno riverfront; local buses and taxis serve the area.

• Go early in the morning to avoid both crowds and harsh midday sun for photographs; the cemetery is compact and shaded by cypress trees.
• Look for English-language inscriptions that tell stories of expatriate life-romantic, tragic, and often fascinating.
• Respect graveside customs and local regulations-flowers and small respectful tokens are appropriate, but avoid stepping on graves to get a better shot.