Oscar-winning Italian actress Sophia Loren received the keys to Florence at a ceremony in Palazzo Vecchio on 5 June. After conferring the honour, Florence mayor Dario Nardella performed a violin version of O sole mio especially for the veteran star of Italian cinema.

Loren was greeted by crowds outside a new restaurant that bears her name - 'Sophia Loren Original Italian Food' on Via dei Brunelleschi - where she went for lunch. "I'm not used to these thing, I get very excited" - said the 86-year-old Loren - "I'm really happy to see so many people love me."