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FLORENCE, Italy, Sunday (Reuters)

More than half a million anti-war protesters from across Europe marched through this Italian Renaissance city on Saturday in a loud and colourful demonstration denouncing any possible U.S. attack on Iraq.Brimming with anti-American feelings and riled by a tough new U.N. resolution to disarm Iraq, young and old activists from as far afield as Russia and Portugal joined forces for the carnival-like rally, singing Communist anthems and 1970s peace songs.

"Take your war and go to hell", read one banner, in a forest of multi-coloured and multi-lingual placards.

"Drop Bush, not Bombs" read another. Some placards depicted U.S. President George W. Bush as Hitler and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as Mussolini. Organisers said the rally, planned months ago, gained

added relevance by Friday's U.N. Security Council resolution which gave Iraq a last chance to disarm or face almost certain war.

Florence has been virtually shut down for the November 6-10 period, with the U.S. State Department advising its citizens to steer clear of Italy's art capital over concerns that violent, anarchist groups might infiltrate the demonstration. Authorities estimated that some 450,000 protesters flooded Florence's streets for the march on a chilly autumn afternoon.

But by dusk, the crowed had swelled to over half a million, many of them arriving on specially chartered trains and buses. Organisers estimated the gathering at around one million, making it one of Italy's biggest ever anti-war rallies. Despite the large crowds, the march was largely peaceful and no incidents were reported. "The atmosphere here is wonderful. Absolutely perfect. It shows that a new young left is emerging," said Stavos Valsamis, a 27-year-old Greek activist from Athens.

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