Florence

Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence.  Florence is the most populous city in Tuscany and has a population of 364,779 (696,767 in the urban area). The city is located on the River Arno. It is known for its history and its significance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. Since it is considered the centre of medieval European trade and finance, Florence is often referred to as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Its significance is so big, that it has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. The city of Florence was long under the rule of the Medici family. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence's historic centre attracts millions of tourists each year and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.