Geography of Florence
Florence (Italian:Firenze), Italy, the capital of Tuscany region. The city is in central Italy on both sides of the Arno River at the foot of the Apennines. The site is one of great natural beauty, and the region is noted for the fertility of its soil. Florence is world famous for its cultural heritage and for its art treasures. Often called the “Jewel of the Renaissance,” Florence during the late Middle Ages produced an amazing number of cultural and intellectual leaders.
Florence has many famous churches and palaces. There are several impressive piazzas, or squares, which are adorned with fountains and statuary. The Piazza del Duomo is the center of the city. Here stands the Duomo (cathedral) Santa Maria del Fiore, begun in 1296. Its impressive dome dominates the city and its interior is decorated with sculpture by Michelangelo, Ghiberti, and others. Nearby are the Campanile, a graceful bell tower 292 feet (89 m) high, and the Baptistery, with its famous doors of bronze with gilded bas-reliefs by Lorenzo Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano. Among other notable churches is the 13th-century Santa Croce, which contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, and other famous Florentines.
The Piazza della Signoria is the political center. Here is the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace), the city hall. Close by is the Museum of the History of Science, whose exhibits include two of Galileo's telescopes. Nearby is the Uffizi Palace, which has one of the greatest art collections in the world. Not far from the Uffizi Palace is the famous bridge over the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), which is lined with shops. A covered passage leads from the Uffizi Palace over the Ponte Vecchio to the Pitti Palace, where there is another famous art collection.
Florence has a great wealth of manuscripts and early books in its five important state libraries and various private collections. The University of Florence was founded in the 14th century.
The city does not have much industry. Products include works of art, glass, pottery, food, iron and steel, machinery, chemicals, textiles, and clothing. The tourist trade is an important source of income.