Spread over the Arno valley from which the city's river takes its name, Florence developed during the renaissance era, especially under the Medici family.

The impact Florentine artists and intellectuals made from the movement of medieval to modern times was immense and unique to the city.

In Florence, while meandering along the River Arno, one's first impression is that of the impressive dome by architect Brunelleschi that dominates the city skyline.

"Piazza della signora" is home to the famous “Palazzo Vecchio” and "Uffizi" which were originally government buildings built in the 16th century, and is now home to the finest photo gallery in Italy where works of art by such as the Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo and works by Caravaggio and Raphael are held.

Florence

The domed Duomo is an impressive example of Florentine architecture, especially Brunelleschi. Giotto's "Campanile" (bell tower) holds sculptures by Donatello such as the Creation of Man. Adjacent to the Duomo is the city's oldest building, the Bapistry which was supposedly erected in by Romans as a temple dedicated to Mars. Piazza della signora, Florence's main civic square, is home to Ammannati's Neptune Fountain, Donatello's Marzocco and Michelangelo's David. Florence is a city to taste and explore, around the numerous monumental squares, elegant shops and lively cafés and restaurants.