Firenze, Province of Firenze, Tuscany
Florence (Italian: Firenze), in central Italy, is the capital of the region of Tuscany and was briefly (1865-1871) also the capital of the kingdom of Italy. Provinces of Tuscany
Italian Regions
Info
- Altitude: 50 m a.s.l
- Population: about 360,000 inhabitants
- Zip/postal code: 50100
- Dialing Area Code: +39 055
- Patron Saint: St. Giovanni Battista, celebrated on 24 June
- Frazioni & Localities: Careggi, Galluzzo, Gavinana, Isolotto, Le Piagge, Legnaia, Novoli, Oltrarno, Peretola, Ponte a Greve, Rifredi, Rovezzano, San Frediano, Settignano, Sollicciano, Trespiano
History - Antiquity and Middle Ages
Governed from 1115 by an autonomous commune, the city was plunged into internal strife by the 13th-century struggle between the Ghibellines, supporters of the German emperor, and the Guelphs siding with the Pope, who after their victory split in turn into "White" and "Black" factions led respectively by Vieri de Cerchi and Corso Donati. These struggles led to the exile of the White Guelphs, one of whom was Dante Alighieri.
In spite of the long political conflict became one of the most powerful in Europe, assisted by her own strong gold currency, the florin (introduced in 1252), the eclipse of her formerly rival Pisa (defeated by Genoa in 1284 and subjugated by Florence in 1406), and the rule of its mercantile elite.
Of a population estimated at 80,000 before the Black Death of 1348, 25,000 were supported by the wool trade: in 1345 there was an attempted strike by wool combers (ciompi), who in 1378 rose up in a brief revolt against oligarchic rule in the Revolt of the Ciompi. After their suppression, the city was for some decades (1382-1434) under the sway of the Albizzi family, rivals of the Medici.
Cosimo de' Medici was the first Medici family member to control the city from behind the scenes, his power coming from a vast patronage network and his alliance to the new immigrants, the "gente nuova". Cosimo was succeeded by his son Piero, who was in 1469 succeeded by Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo, a great patron of artists including Michel Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.
History - the Renaissance
Another great Florentine of the time was Niccolò Machiavelli, whose prescriptions for Florence's regeneration under strong leadership have often been seen as a legitimisation of political expediency and even malpractice. Commissioned by the Medici, Machiavelli wrote the Florentine Histories.
The city drove out the Medici for a second time and re-established a republic on May 16, 1527. Restored with the support of both Emperor and Pope, the Medici in 1537 became hereditary dukes of Florence, and in 1569 Grand Dukes of Tuscany, ruling for two centuries. Only the Republic of Lucca (later a Duchy) was independent from Florence in all Tuscany.
History - Modern Times
Florence replaced Turin as Italy's capital from 1865 until 1870. After doubling during the 19th century, Florence's population tripled in the 20th century with the growth of tourism, trade, financial services and industry.
During World War II the city experienced a year-long German occupation (1943-1944). The Allied soldiers who died driving the Germans from Tuscany are buried in cemeteries outside the city.
What to see
- The Ponte Vecchio, whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built on it. First constructed by the Etruscans in ancient times, this bridge is the only one in the city to have survived World War II intact.
- At the heart of the city is the Fountain of Neptune, which is a masterpiece of marble sculpture at the terminus of a still functioning Roman aqueduct.
- The most famous palace in the city is San Lorenzo, which has become a monument to the Medici family who ruled Florence during the 15th century
- The Uffizi Gallery, one of the very finest art galleries in the world.
- The Bargello museum, concentrates on sculpture, containing many priceless works of art created by such sculptors as Donatello, Giambologna, and Michelangelo.
- The cathedral of the city, dominating the Florentine skyline, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as "The Duomo", whose magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi, with a nearby Campanile Tower (by Giotto) and the Baptistery buildings.
- The Accademia dell'Arte del Disegno (often simply called the Accademia) collection's highlights are Michelangelo's David and his Slaves.
- The Santa Croce church (celebrated by Romantic poet Ugo Foscolo in his "Sepolcri") contains the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Dante, and many other notables.
- The churches of Santa Maria Novella and the Orsanmichele.
- The huge Pitti Palace lavishly decorated with the Medici family's former private collection.
- The Boboli Gardens, elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures.
