English Cemetry

The Swiss-owned Evangelical Cemetery of Florence called the "English Cemetery" is situated in Piazzale Donatello. Marco and I often circle the cemetery when we pass through town on the moto and this afternoon I finally managed to visit this artistic and poetic landmark in the heart of Firenze.

The following is an extract by Susan and Joanna Horner, from Walks in Florence, Chapter XXV.
Near this piazza lies the old Protestant Cemetery of Florence, once beyond the Porta Pinti, and under the shelter of the ivy-covered walls, both of which have been included in the recent demolitions. The greater number of the tall old cypresses which crowned the summit of the mound have been cut down, and the picturesque beauty, as well as seclusion of the spot, which were so congenial to the feelings of mourning friends, no longer exist. It is now protected by a neat iron railing, within which have been planted cypresses and various shrubs, which it is to be hoped will, in time, restore some of its former beauty. The mountains of Vallombrosa and Fiesole are not quite shut out by the row of houses rising on all sides, and the order and care... leave no room for complaints. The white marble monuments, to each of which is attached a little garden of roses or other flowers, give a peculiar loveliness to this cemetery, far removed from gloom, and in the spring-time, the remains of the departed seem to repose under a shower of sweet blossoms. Among the monuments raised to those whose names are known to the world, may be mentioned Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Arnold Savage Landor, Mrs. Trollope and her accomplished daughter-in-law, the poet Arthur Hugh Clough, and the American divine Theodore Parker.

Ugo Foscolo's 'Sepolcri'

But cypresses and cedars
the zephyrs impregnate by pure fragrances,
perennial green leaning over the urns
for eternal memory, and precious
vases to collect the votive tears.

Ma cipressi e cedri
di puri effluvi i zefiri impregnando
perenne verde protendean su l'urne
per memoria perenne, e preziosi
vasi accogliean le lagrime votive.