Having been the capital of Italy for a short period after the unification of Italy ( 1865 - 1871 ) and a long time under the control of the Medici family ( 1434-1494, 1512-1527 e 1530-1737 ), Florence was to mideval Europe an important cultural, commercial and financial centre.

It is being considered the place of origin of the Rennaissance and is renowed in all the world as one of the major birthplaces of much art and architecture, having numerous historical buildings, monuments, and rich museums ( amongst which are the Galleria degli Uffizi, Galleria Palatina, Bargello and the museums of Palazzo Pitti ).