Empoli

Town in Tuscany region, north-central Italy, on the River Arno, 30 km/19 mi west of Florence; population (1993 est) 43,600. Industries include textiles, pottery, glassware, and straw goods. There is an 11th-century church (now rebuilt) with a notable marble facade, which contains many works of art.

Empoli was the site of the Ghibelline congress of 1260, which saved Florence from destruction during the military conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines (political factions of central and northern Italy).