Capital of Tuscany area: all you've to know about Florence

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. It is the most populous and famous city in the region.

The city is famous for its history, indeed Florence was the centre of Medieval European trade and finance. It is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence, form 1865 to 1871, was the capital city of the Italian Kingdom. It was the political, economic and social center of Italy.

Florence attracts many tourists every year and, in 1982, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

It is famous around the world for its culture, art, architecture’s style, monuments, and food!

Florence is one of the top 51 fashion capitals in the world, it is also the national economic and industrial center.

It is a city surrounded by hills, nature, and rivers. Florence is a magical and romantic city where everything is possible.

If you are planning to visit Florence, don’t miss to taste all the traditional dishes: fiorentina beef, cantucci, ribollita and many others.

Tuscany is one of the best Italian region where is possible to taste amazing and incredible wines.

A map of Florence: the capital of Tuscany area

The most important monuments, galleries, and museums are located in the city center of Florence. To visit the city you can walk in the narrow streets and enjoy all the amazing history and architecture that surround this magical town.

A short history of the capital through the centuries

Florence was a small Roman settlement which was destroyed by Lucius Cornelius Sulla in 80 B.C. and then the city was rebuilt from Julio Caesar in 59 B.C. as a settlement for his veteran soldiers and its style was similar to an army camp. This settlement, thanks to its fertile valley with the river and the main route between Rome and the North became an important commercial center. At the beginning, it was called Florentia.

In the 4^th century the Roman Empire split into two: East and West. The western Roman Empire, in the 5^th century, were overthrew from the Germans, while the Eastern became the Byzantine Empire.

After a century, the Byzantine Empire tried to reconquer the Germanic empire and during their fight the city of Florence changed hands many and many times.

At the end of the 6^th century, Florence was captured from the Lombards and in those years there was a long period of peace.

Day by day Florence grew up, and it became larger and richer.

From the 14^th to 16^th centuries Florence was politically, economically and culturally one of the most important cities, not only in Europe but in the world.

From 1434 to 1737, Florence continued to flourish under the rule of the Medici Family and after that, the city came under the Austrian rule.

In 1865 Florence was so important to become the capital of the Italian Kingdom, but then, in 1871, it was replaced by Rome.

During the Second World War all the bridges in Florence were destroyed, except Ponte Vecchio that it is still possible to visit and admire the view of the city from there.

Today Florence is famous around the world thanks to its art, culture, museums, sculptures and many other things that make the city magic and romantic.

What to see: 3 top monuments

There are too many things to visit in Florence: galleries, monuments, museums and of course restaurants and wineries.

Here you can find out top 3 monuments that absolutely you don’t have to miss when you visit Florence.

1. The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is a huge museum with masterpieces, paintings, and sculptures. All of them are displayed in chronological order.

Here are preserved paints made by Giotto and Cimabue, who left works with a gothic style. You can have a walk through history and Renaissance art. You will enjoy all the masterpieces made by Paolo Uccello, Masaccio, Piero della Francesca, Federico da Montefeltro, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Vasari and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Every single paint preserved in this museum will be breathtaking. When you visit the gallery take your time, walk slowly and enjoy one of the most famous and impressive museums of the world.

2. The Duomo

The Duomo or Cathedral was built during the Renaissance period. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and it has a Gothic style.

The cathedral was begun at the end of the 13^th century and the dome part was added in the 15^th century.

The exterior part of the cathedral is covered with pink, white and green marble. Inside the church, the most attractive part is the floor. It looks like a big mosaic carpet.

Another important part is the clock, it was designed in 1443 by Paolo Uccello and it still works.

Once you are inside the Duomo you should pay attention to all the frescos that decorate the church.

3. Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in Florence. It the past centuries it was considered the Vasari Corridor. It was a secret way that links Palazzo Vecchio to Pitti Palace.

Since the 13^th century, on this bridge, there were many kinds of shops. In 1953 Ferdinand I decided that only jewelers be allowed to open their shops on the bridge.

At night the bridge becomes a romantic place where to have a walk and enjoy the view of Florence.

A perfect accommodation to visit the city and the area

A perfect accommodation to visit Florence is the Volognano Castel. The Castel is located into the Tuscan countryside, far from the crowd city center, and at the same time, near the main city of the region: Florence.

You can have the chance to stay in the heart of Chianti, leave close to the acres of vineyards and olive groves.

You will also, have the opportunity to taste traditional Tuscany dishes and take part in a wine tour.

Come to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.

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This post is also available in: Italian