Benvenuti a Firenze
Birthplace of Renaissance
Florence isn’t just a pretty city—it's where the world changed forever.
Why Florence?
In the 14th–15th centuries, Florence was rich, powerful, and full of brilliant minds. The city was run by merchant families (like the famous Medici), who invested in art, architecture, and education—not just business. That mix of money, curiosity, and freedom sparked a creative boom. Here’s what came out of it:
Artists
Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Donatello, Brunelleschi—all lived or worked here.
Architecture
The Duomo’s dome (by Brunelleschi) was a crazy engineering idea at the time. It still dominates the skyline.
Language
Dante Alighieri, father of the Italian language, was born here.
Perspective in art? Invented and perfected here. It wasn’t just about painting pretty things. Florence brought back classical ideas from ancient Greece and Rome, mixed them with new thinking, and basically lit the spark of the modern age.
Fun facts tourists usually love
Organise your visit with these itineraries.
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest museums in the world—and used to be offices ("uffizi" means offices!).
The David by Michelangelo? It was originally meant for the Duomo, not just to stand around looking iconic.
Florence was briefly the capital of Italy (1865–1871) before Rome took over.
Gelato was (allegedly) invented here in the 16th century. Another reason to thank the Renaissance.
A (very quick) history of Florence
Wnat to dive even deeper into Florence?
You don’t just have to visit—Florence has inspired books, movies, and amazing TV series too. If you’re still curious about this incredible city, here are a few shows to watch before (or after!) your trip:
Medici: Masters of Florence (Netflix)
A historical drama that follows the rise of the Medici family—full of politics, art, ambition, and gorgeous Florentine scenery. Starring Richard Madden and Dustin Hoffman.
Lorenzo il Magnifico (continuation of Medici)
Focuses on Lorenzo the Magnificent, the peak of Florence’s golden age. Expect Botticelli, philosophical debates, and some major Renaissance drama.
Da Vinci’s Demons (Starz)
A wild, fantasy-driven version of Leonardo da Vinci’s early life in Florence. Not always historically accurate, but super entertaining.
Inferno (Movie – based on Dan Brown’s novel)
Florence plays a key role in this thriller with Tom Hanks. See the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and hidden corners of the city in a totally different way.
The Decameron (Netflix)
Inspired by Boccaccio’s iconic 14th-century work, set during the Black Plague near Florence. Dark humor, drama, and medieval chaos—Florentine style.
Under the tuscan sun (2003)
Not exactly set in Florence, but full of Tuscan soul. An American writer impulsively buys a villa in Cortona (just 1.5h from Florence) and rebuilds her life.
Take a walk around!
A good historical walking tour will show you stories hidden behind every statue, corner, and piazza. Trust me: Florence makes a lot more sense when someone tells you what you’re really looking at.
Free walking tours
Great for those on a budget, offering an authentic, guided experience without a fixed price. Most guides work for tips, so be sure to give generously if you enjoyed the tour.
Private tours
Want something more personalized? These tours give you a deeper dive into the city's history, art, and culture.
Self-guided audio
Explore Florence at your own pace, with an audio guide that gives you all the info you need while you wander through the streets.
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