Tour Guide, Florence, Italy
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Florence, as you know, is located in the central Italian region of Tuscany and is one of the most breathtaking cities in all Europe. It is often celebrated as the cradle of the Renaissance and is home to many of world's most famous artistic treasures. How many important personalities were born and lived here? Poets and writers, architects, sculptors and painters as well as strong political leaders and philosophers.
Although the city is commonly known for its achievements during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, its history goes back into the darkness of the centuries. Not many people know that Florence was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar, who named the settlement Florentia (flourishing). At that time the place was designated a haven for retired military veterans. In fact, if you look at an old map of Florentia you will see that the city was designed in the manner of a military camp. The pattern is still evident in some parts of the city center even today.
Because Florence was built on a major travel route between Rome and the North of Italy, steadily grew from a modest settlement to a bustling commercial center. By the 3rd century AD, it was already established as the capital of Tuscia (this is the old name of Tuscany) but the glory did not last for long. In the 4th century, the Byzantines and the German Ostrogoths were competing for the control of Italy, and Florence was damaged and destroyed in battles many times and hey say that also its population reduced to fewer than 1,000 people.
The peace was restored in the 6th century, under Lombard rule, and the population continued to increase and prosper reaching its peak under the rule of Charlemagne in 774.
Growing Powerful
For the following four centuries, Florence followed a continuous growth and prosperity and in 1252, minted its own gold currency - the 'florin'. The city became a powerful banking hub, with many Florentine banks opening branches across Europe. The powerful Medici banking family ruled the city from behind the scenes, and also found fame as prominent patrons of the arts. The Medieval Florence must have been a spectacular place to see as it was full of tower houses belonging to the rich families that moved into the city walls throughout the Middle ages. The town must have looked very much like a stone Manhattan with the towers that reached up to 70 meters!
The Renaissance
The rapid economic growth fostered the strength of mercantile guilds and attracted an influx of people from all over Italy and Europe. So the stage for the creative movement known as the Renaissance was finally prepared. The city maintained its reputation for innovation throughout the 14th to 16th centuries. There were a dozen artists' guilds throughout the city, and Florence exported massive amounts of high quality wool and other textiles to Italy and Europe.
Many of the era's most influential artists lived in the city and left their masterpieces we can still admire today. To name only a few: Michelangelo, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Leonardo da Vinci. Their frescoes, sculptures, architecture and paintings are the pride of Florence and represent major points of interest to visitors from all over the world.
The Medici
The Medici family had an extensive influence on the course of Florence's history. They had been entrenched in Florentine politics and ruled the city until the middle of 18th century. Formally, Florence for centuries has been a republic even though all the most important decisions were taken at the closed doors of the Medici palace in via Larga (today's via Cavour). In 1527, the Florentine government finally expelled the Medici and re-established a republic but not for long. After only 10 years the family, with the help of the Emperor and the Pope became hereditary dukes of the city and in 1569, under Cosimo I they gained the title of Grand Dukes of Tuscany and ruled a vast tuscan territory for two more centuries.
Becoming Part Of Italy
In 1737, Tuscany became a territory of Austria, and was later ruled by France and the kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont. After unification in 1861, Tuscany became a province of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence has also enjoyed a short period as the capital of the new Italian State, replacing Turin in 1865 and hosting the country's first parliament, but was superseded by Rome in 1871 following its addition to the kingdom.
During the WWII Florence was severely damaged by the retreating German army. All the bridges accross the Arno river were blown up. Only Ponte Vecchio survived thanks to attentive diplomatic negotiations. In 1966 terrible flood brought more destruction and it took a long time for the city to come back to normal life.
In 1993 another tragic incident took place right next to the Uffizi Gallery, at the Academy of Georgofiles: the Mafia exploded a massive car bomb that killed five and injured 37 people. A part of the Uffizi Gallery was destroyed. When visiting the Vasari Corridor we can still see the damaged paintings and this event is the first one you will hear about when starting your journey from Uffizi to Pitti Palace.
Today Florence continues to thrive as a center of great historical and artistic value. Its past glories will speak to you on every corner and every street. Come to discover its glories, mysteries and beauty!