<< Tuscany
Florence (Firenze) is the capital of Tuscany, and a city filled with countless artistic, architectural, and cultural masterpieces, which was for centuries also a major center of literature and science. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the city was founded by the Romans as Florentia. After a period of obscurity, Florence developed starting in the 10th century, becoming a major center of trade and finance, and expanding its rule over the surrounding region. Florence saw many internal struggles, and eventually came under the rule of the Medici family in the 15th century. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance and, during that period, it was one of the largest cities in Europe, and the most important cultural center in the continent, hosting the greatest artists, architects, writers, philosophers, and scholars of the time. During the 16th century, the Florentine Republic became first the Duchy of Florence, and then the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, that ruled over almost the entire region. In 1737 the Medici dynasty became extinct, and Tuscany came under Austrian rule. During the Napoleonic Wars, Florence was the capital of the short-lived Kingdom of Etruria, and was briefly annexed by France before the Gran Duchy was re-established. Florence became part of the newly formed Italy in 1861 and served as the capital of the country between 1865 and 1871. The city was badly damaged during World War II and then by a devastating flood in 1966. Florence is now known all over the world as a major tourist destination, thanks to its many museums and landmarks, but it is also famous for its culture and as the birthplace of the modern Italian language.
Subdivisions of Florence
- Campo di Marte-Rifredi (Quartiere 2 and Quartiere 5)
- Oltrarno-South Florence (Quartiere 1 south of the Arno river, Quartiere 3, Quartiere 4)
- San Giovanni (northern portion of Quartiere 1)
- Santa Croce (eastern portion of Quartiere 1)
- Santa Maria Novella-Cascine (western portion of Quartiere 1)
Map of Florence
