The Arno River experienced a monumental flood in Florence, leading to unprecedented water levels that reached 6.7 meters (22 feet) by early November 1966. This natural disaster not only left thousands without homes but also resulted in massive destruction of cultural heritage. Important structures such as the Uffizi Gallery, which stores exquisite masterpieces, suffered severe water damage. Libraries housing rare manuscripts and historic books were inundated, marking a significant loss for art and literature preservation. Residents reported that the flooding was exacerbated by heavy rainfall over several days and poor urban planning that failed to account for such extensive flooding events.

On the same day, Venice faced its own catastrophe, with the notorious acqua alta reaching 194 cm (76 inches). This alarming depth created emergency conditions across the city, threatening its unique architecture and the livelihoods of its residents. Both Florence and Venice have significant cultural importance in Italy, and the floods prompted international media attention and cultural solidarity efforts to recover lost treasures and safeguard what remained. Emergency responders and volunteers hastily worked to rescue stranded individuals and save invaluable artworks from the rising waters.

The aftermath of these floods led to discussions about urban infrastructure and environmental policies in Italy. Recovery efforts resulted in increased awareness regarding the preservation of historical sites and the need for better flood defenses throughout these vulnerable cities. The devastation prompted numerous restoration projects and led to an eventual reevaluation of how the regions interact with their natural waterways.