Empoli Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Empoli
Comune
Comune di Empoli
Piazza Farinata degli Uberti
Country	Italy
Region	Tuscany
Frazioni	Avane, Casenuove, Corniola, Cortenuova, Fontanella, Marcignana, Monterappoli, Pagnana, Ponte a Elsa, Pontorme, Pozzale, Sant'Andrea, Serravalle, Villanova
Area
• Total	62.28 km² (24.05 sq mi)
Elevation	28 m (92 ft)
Population (30 November 2014)
• Total	48,004
• Density	770.78/km² (1,996.30/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Empolesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	50053
Dialing code	0571
Patron saint	St. Andrew
Saint day	November 30

Empoli is a town in Tuscany, Italy. It is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Florence. The town is 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level, located south of the Arno River.

The land around Empoli has been used for farming since Roman times. Empoli is on the main railway line that connects Florence to Pisa. It also has good connections to the city of Siena. Empoli is well-known for its farming. It even has a special type of artichoke named after it!

History of Empoli
- Empoli's Growth and Florentine Rule
- The Council of Empoli
Important Places to See
Famous People from Empoli
Sports in Empoli
Empoli's Twin Cities
Images for kids
See also

History of Empoli

Empoli was already a settled place during the early Roman Empire. It continued to exist in the 4th century AD. The river near the city was important for trading farm products. Local clay jars, called amphorae, were also traded here.

Empoli's Growth and Florentine Rule

Starting in the 8th century, Empoli grew into a town around a castle. It was known as Emporium or Empolis. In 1119, a powerful family called the Guidi controlled the town. Later, in 1182, Empoli came under the rule of Florence.

The Council of Empoli

In 1260, after a big battle called the Battle of Montaperti, Empoli hosted an important meeting. During this meeting, a famous leader named Farinata degli Uberti spoke against destroying Florence. Empoli later became a strong fortress.

Important Places to See

Empoli has several interesting historical sites.

The Piazza Farinata degli Uberti is the main square. It is also called Piazza dei Leoni (Lions Square). In the middle of the square, there is a fountain made by Luigi Pampaloni in 1827. The most important building in the city, the Collegiata di Sant'Andrea, is also here.

The Collegiata di Sant'Andrea and the fountain.

The Palazzo Ghibellino used to be the palace of the Guidi counts. It was probably built in the 11th century.

The Palazzo Pretorio was the Town Hall during the Middle Ages.

In the small area called Pontorme, you can find the house of the famous painter Pontormo.

Famous People from Empoli

Many talented people have come from Empoli. Here are a few:

Giovanni da Empoli (1483–1518), a navigator who explored the seas.
Jacopo Carrucci, better known as Pontormo (1494–1556), a well-known painter.
Jacopo da Empoli (1551–1640), another famous painter.
Alessandro Marchetti (1633–1714), a mathematician and writer.
Giuseppe del Papa (1648–1735), a doctor and philosopher.
Ippolito Neri (1652–1708), a doctor and poet.
Renato Fucini (1843–1921), a writer.
Giuliano Vanghetti (1861–1940), an orthopaedist (a doctor who treats bone and joint problems).
Ferruccio Busoni (1866–1924), a talented musician.
Mentore Maggini (1890–1941), an astronomer who studied stars and planets.
Remo Scappini (1908–1994), a politician and activist who fought against fascism.