Florence

Florence is a city in central Italy, situated on the Arno River at the bottom of the Apennines; it is also the capital of Tuscany and the province of Florence. The history of Florentina dates back to the times of Julius Caesar who established it as a colony for veteran soldiers in the place of a former Etruscan town in 59 BC. Original buildings of the city, founded on an army camp plan with a characteristic street layout, have been preserved to this day. Due to its location - on the way from France to Rome - Florence quickly became an important business as well as craft centre - in particular for the cloth and silk-making. It was in Florence that in the 13th century first banking houses were established and in 1252 gold coins - florins - were first struck and became the main trade coin in Europe of that time. However, the greatest business and cultural prosperity of the city came at the time of the Medici reign - the unforgettable atmosphere of Florence was created in part by representatives of the Renaissance such as Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo. Today's Florence - an important academic and cultural centre - still bears traces of its old s and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

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