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Firenze is the capital of Tuscany in Italy on the Arno River , between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas. Florence has a population of half a million inhabitants. Florence was centre of the Italian Renaissance and left us with a place of churches, monasteries, museums, galleries and palaces. Home of Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo. Today Florence is alive with industry, commerce, culture, art, science and plenty for the visitor to do.
Florence, Italy attracts millions of art-lovers from around the world, and visitors are just as beguiled by the beauty of the city itself as they are by the paintings and sculptures found within its many museums. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, Florence is the picture of the Italian ideal.
Nestled within the Tuscan region of northern Italy, on the Arno River, Florence was the center of the Italian Renaissance. The city was home to many well-known artists, writers, explorers, and scientists. Among its most famous residents were Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Dante, Machiavelli, Boccaccio, Galileo, and Amerigo Vespucci, just to name a few.
Florence is home to a number of museums and galleries that house some of the world's most famous works of art. The Uffizi Galleries boasts one of the world's most extensive collections of Renaissance art. A few of the well-known works on display are Botticelli's The Birth of Venus , Da Vinci's The Annunciation , and Dürer's The Adoration of the Magi . The highlight of the Accademy Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) is Michelangelo's statue of David.
Florence's many churches are works of art in themselves. The most famous of the city's churches is the Santa Maria del Fiore, known simply as The Duomo. The Duomo is perhaps Florence's most recognizable symbol, and glimpses of its majestic dome can be seen around nearly every corner of the city. Other notable churches include the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Great Synagogue of Florence.
Spanning the length of the Arno River is the architecturally stunning Ponte Vecchio bridge. The Ponte Vecchio is lined with shops selling gold jewelry, art, and souvenirs. The Ponte Vecchio is a perfect spot for taking in the sunset view of the Tuscan hills, perhaps while enjoying a gelato.
Florence is also at the heart of Italy's fashion industry. Designer shops abound, and the city is home to such world-renowned designers as Roberto Cavalli and the late Guccio Gucci. Florence is particularly famous for its leather goods, and many workshops have set up business within the city. Visitors can be sure to find a range of genuine items at any number of shops and markets, from leather jackets and handbags to shoes and belts. Buyers should beware, however, of vendors trying to sell cheap knock-offs.
Most of Florence's main attractions are within walking distance of each another, but buses and taxis are also available for trips away from the city center. Florence is notorious for its traffic, and aside from the main city center, it is not pedestrian-friendly. Extra care should be taken when crossing busy streets. Although Florence is relatively safe, visitors should also be cautious of pickpockets.
Italy is a member of the European Union. The official currency is the Euro.
Florence was founded by the Romans in the first century B.C and was very much a world cultural centre between the 11th and 15th centuries. In the 15th century Florence was ruled by the Medici family, the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. The Grand Duchy of the Medicis was succeeded by the House of Lorraine in the 18th century. In 1860 Tuscany became part of Italy and Florence was the capital from 1865 to 1871.
Florence eGuide lists the very best Florence accommodation, provides an Florence restaurant guide, details Florence attractions and Florence tours. Florence official eGuide is the primary source for Florence tourism information for Florence. For complete Florence Information please use the navigation on the left of this page, the Florence site map or the quick links below.
The team at Florence eGuide very much hope that you enjoy your Florence holidays and have a wonderful time in Florence.
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