First settled by the Romans, Florence had a turbulent early history. In the Middle Ages, it rose in stature and wealth. By the Renaissance age, it was one of Italy's major powers, governed by the wealthy and powerful Medici family. Major artists and philosophers who flourished in Florence in this period included Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Political turmoil in Florence gave rise to the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli. This period saw the construction of Santa Maria della Fiore, Florence's famous Duomo, or cathedral.
Like Florence, Venice rose to prominence in the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. While Florence grew rich on the proceeds of the wool industry, Venice's wealth came from seaborne trade. Venice's naval power helped create colonies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic, meaning that Venetian foreign policy often looked outward and to the east while Florentine policy was more concerned with the dangers of other Italian states as well as western powers like France and Spain. Although Venice was an important city during the Renaissance, it was less prominent artistically than Florence.
Modern Florence is the capital of Tuscany, with a population of nearly 400,000 in the city itself, rising to 1.5 million in the greater metropolitan area as of 2010. Its historic city center remains a major tourist attraction. Its museums, Renaissance architecture, and historic churches attract millions of visitors each year. However, tourism is not the only industry in Florence. Industrial districts, mainly in the suburbs, produce a variety of products including metal goods, clothing, and leathergoods. The famous Vespa motor scooter was one of Florence's best-known exports.
Tourism is Venice's major industry, leading to claims that the city has become a "living museum." Millions of tourists come to Venice to view its architecture, churches and its distinctive network of canals. Because of the high number of tourists and the limited availability of land on the Venetian archipelago, locals find it increasingly hard to live in the city itself. While Florence is known for its historical and artistic significance, Venice is known for its relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
