Heavy rainfall on Thursday, September 17, impacted Florence and led to flooding in some areas of this historic city. In just one hour, over 45 millimeters of rain fell, damaging artworks and historical buildings.
Water Infiltrated the Uffizi Gallery
At the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous art museums in the world, a small leak was observed under the skylight of a room housing seven 17th-century paintings, including "Bacchus" by Caravaggio. This leak caused spots on the protective glass of this artwork. However, museum officials stated that no damage was done to the artworks, and the room will be open to visitors from the following morning.
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Impact of Rainfall on Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti, the historic Renaissance palace in Florence dating back to 1446, was also affected by this heavy rainfall. Reports indicate that the floors of the Palatine Gallery and the Modern Art Gallery were flooded, and some exhibition areas have been closed. Silvia Baralacci, a representative of the Sicily Union, stated that it is still unclear how the rain infiltrated these locations, whether through open windows or due to old equipment that may need repairs.
This heavy rainfall not only damages artworks but also poses challenges for the maintenance and preservation of these historical buildings. Florence, as one of the major tourist destinations in Europe, is always exposed to natural hazards, and this incident highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and restoration of these sites.
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