Florence, Italy, is in the heart of Tuscany on the continent of Europe. Florence boasts a population of around 364,000 and is home to some of the richest influences of Italian heritage, art, architecture and cuisine in the world. With its rich history that dates back thousands of years and some of the most beautiful sights on earth, Florence is a city not to be forgotten.
Florence, Italy, dates to 59 B.C. and was settled by Julius Caesar as a safe haven for his soldiers to rest and rejuvenate themselves. Originally named Florentia, the region was transformed by Caesar into a protective environment with tall walls and narrow streets, guarding the center. The medieval walls aided in defending the city, as it became prosperous after its large period of initial economic growth selling food, baked goods and services to surrounding areas.
Florence's art and architecture is prevalent throughout the city. Known worldwide as the cradle of renaissance, Florence takes pride in the history of its monuments, old world architecture, and pristine cathedrals and churches. Florentines enjoy peasant-style eating and eat most of their meals with meat. Some of the staples in a Florentine diet are pastas, olive oil, wine and vegetable greens. Some of the most famous people in history have ties to Florence, such as Raphael, the famous painter; Florence Nightingale, the nursing pioneer; Galileo, the Italian astronomer and philosopher; Machiavelli, the poet and philosopher; Michelangelo and Da Vinci, famous painters; as well as Guccio Gucci, the famous clothing designer. Pristine art lines the interior of high-rising domes inside basilicas and cathedrals throughout the region. The fountain of Neptune is a marble beauty that is the focal point of Florence. The people of Florence call themselves Florentines and speak the language called Florentine, which is very similar to the modern language of Italian.
Florence has great beauty in its geography and terrain, especially due to the Arno River that runs through the historical district of Florence. Set in a river basin with hilly terrain, Florence dips into the earth and creates fabulous views from above as well as at ground level. With its combination of both a Mediterranean climate as well as a humid subtropical climate, Florence has humid and warm summer months and damp, cool winters with traces of snow.
Visiting Florence is a life-changing experience. With all of the art, architecture and culture to explore, one should allow at least a week or longer to be able to tour all of the locations throughout the region. While most locations can be visited on foot, many require reservations and tour times. Making an itinerary is always a good idea before traveling to the region so that all attractions can be seen and experienced.
The most recognized piece of architecture in Florence is the domed Santa Maria del Fiore. The Fiore is a cathedral that displays one of the most spectacular views in the city and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The dome that sits on top of the cathedral was built over 600 years ago; it stands as one of the largest domes in the world made from regular brick and mortar construction. Other than some of the world's most beautiful buildings, Florence is home to some of the most renowned museums in the world. The Uffizi and the Bargello are home to the works of historical artists and sculptors such as Donatello and Michelangelo. Their sculptures and art work are held under thick viewing glass.
