Indian Chief Travel Guides

Florence: Italy's Renaissance City

Florence (Firenze in Italian), situated on the Arno River, is the capital of Italy's Tuscany (Toscana) region. It is the largest city in Tuscany, with a population of nearly 370,000.

Florence is also a "Renaissance City," rich in art and architecture, and frequently referred to as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. During the Middle Ages it was important as a center of European finance and trade, and remained for decades under the rule of the Medicis whose history is intertwined with that of Florence. To suggest that the city can overwhelm even the most seasoned tourist is to understate the case. With its treasure trove of sights and attractions, it remains one of the most popular destinations in Europe, drawing millions of visitors each year, particularly to its Historic Centre.

 Photo by stevehdc