Florence mayor plays violin for Sophia Loren.

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."

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Mayor Nardella said: "We have admiration and gratitude for Sophia Loren," hailing her as "truly an icon of cinema, culture, art, of our country."

The Italian diva, who starred in the recent film La Vita Davanti a Sé (The Life Ahead), will be honoured by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures with its inaugural 'Visionary Award' at a ceremony in Los Angeles in September.

Le chiavi della città di #Firenze a #SophiaLoren. Donna meravigliosa, icona del cinema e della bellezza italiana nel mondo. pic.twitter.com/jFM6BoOB2d

— Dario Nardella (@DarioNardella) June 5, 2021