"Keeweechic's Florence (Firenze)" a Florence Travel Page by keeweechic

Florence is my favourite city in Italy. It has been dubbed as the ‘Athens of Italy’. Also known to the Italians as Firenze, it is the capital city of the region of Tuscany and from 1865 to 1897, was also the capital of the then Kingdom of Italy. Its history shows that it was the centre of medieval trade and finance for Europe. The Florentine Fiorino became one of the strongest currencies in Europe. During the 13th century the Florence’s popularity and prosperity increased even more when the basis for modern Italian was evolved.

Florence is also considered the ‘birthplace of the Italian Renaissance’ and is well known for its architecture and fine art. It was a dream location for many artists and writers and in Florence’s many museums and art galleries you can see evidence of this period in the works displayed there. Leonardo, Raffaello and Michaelangelo all lived and worked there. The architecture of Florence is interesting also. Most is predominantly Early Renaissance.

Florence lies on the banks of the Arno River. Mark Twain once described the river as ‘it overwhelms Florence with tides of colour that make all the sharp lines dim and faint and turn the solid city to a city of dreams”. It is precisely that for many tourists that flock to the city every year to seek out not only the artistic side of Florence but also the crafts side which offer embroidery, leatherwork, lace work, jewellery and many other wonderful crafts. Many art festivals and exhibitions are held in the city every year. Florence is charming, inviting and romantic and a must on anyone’s itinerary when travelling to Italy.

Don’t forget to try the wonderful ice cream while there.