Dictionary
a city in central Italy on the Arno provincial capital of Tuscany center of the Italian Renaissance from 14th to 16th centuries a town in northeast South Carolina transportation center
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Wikipedia
otheruses -Founded 59 BC as ''Florentia''-RegionTuscany-Mayor Leonardo Domenici (''Democrats of the LeftDemocratici di Sinistra'')-Area
- City Proper
102 1 E6 m²km²-Population
- City (2004)
- Metropolitan
- Density (city proper)
356,000
almost 500,000
3,453/km²-Time zoneCentral European TimeCET, UTC+1-Latitude
Longitude
43°47' N
11°15' E-align="center" colspan=2comune.firenze.it - www.comune.firenze.it-align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:3px solid gray;"
An Overview of Florence (Italian: Firenze)}Florence (Italian languageItalian: ''Firenze'') is the capital city of the region of Tuscany, Italy and also capital of the province of Florence. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence lies on the Arno River and has a population of around 400,000 people, plus a suburban population in excess of 200,000 persons. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its fine art and architecture. It is said that, of the 1,000 most important European artists of the second millennium, 350 lived or worked in Florence.
History of Florence - Florence's recorded history began with the establishment in 59 BCE of a settlement for Roman RepublicRoman former soldiers, with the name Florentia. The seat of a bishopric from around the beginning of the 4th century CE, the city experienced subsequent periods of Byzantine EmpireByzantine, Ostrogothic, Lombard, and Frankish peopleFrankish rule, during which the population may have fallen to as few as 1,000 persons. Reviving from the 10th century and governed from 1115 by an autonomous commune, the city was plunged into internal strife by the 13th century13th-century struggle between the Ghibellines, supporters of the GermanyGerman emperor, and the pro-PapacyPapal Guelphs, who after their victory split in turn into feuding "White" and "Black" factions led respectively by Vieri de Cerchi and Corso Donati. (See Guelphs and Ghibellines.) These struggles eventually led to the exile of the White Guelphs, one of whom was Dante Alighieri. This factional strife was later recorded by Dino Compagni, a White Guelph, in his Chronicles of Florence.Political conflict did not, however, prevent the city's rise to become one of the most powerful and prosperous in Europe, assisted by her own strong gold currency, the guilderflorin (introduced in 1252), the eclipse of her formerly powerful rival Pisa (defeated by Genoa in 1284 and subjugated by Florence in 1406florence-italy-guide.com), and the exercise of power by the mercantile elite following an anti-aristocratic movement, led by Giano della Bella, that resulted in a set of laws called the Ordinances of Justice (1293).Of a population estimated at 80,000 before the Black Death of 1348, about 25,000 are said to have been supported by the city's woollen industry: in 1345 Florence was the scene of an attempted strike by wool combers (''ciompi''), who in 1378 rose up in a brief revolt against oligarchic rule in the Revolt of the Ciompi. After their suppression, the city came under the sway (1382-1434) of the Albizzi family, bitter rivals of the Medici. Cosimo de' Medici was the first Medici family member to essentially control the city from behind the scenes, his power coming from a vast patronage network and his alliance to the new immigrants, the gente nuova. The fact that the Medici were bankers to the pope also contributed to their rise. Cosimo was succeeded by his son Piero di Cosimo de' MediciPiero, who was shortly thereafter succeeded by Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo de' MediciLorenzo in 1469. Lorenzo was a great patron of the arts, commissioning works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.After Lorenzo's death in 1492 and his son Piero's exile in 1494, the first period of Medici rule ended with the restoration of a republican government, influenced until his execution (1498) by the teachings of the radical Dominican prior Girolamo Savonarola, whose monomaniacal persecution of the widespread Florentine Homosexuality#Historysodomy and of other worldly pleasures foreshadowed many of the wider religious controversies of the following centuries.A second individual of unusual insight was Niccolò Machiavelli, whose prescriptions for Florence's regeneration under strong leadership have often been seen as a legitimisation of political expediency and even malpractice. Commissioned by the Medici, Machiavelli also wrote the Florentine Histories, the history of the city. Florentines drove out the Medici for a second time and re-established a republic on May 16, 1527. Restored twice with the support of both Emperor and Pope, the Medici in 1537 became hereditary dukes of Florence, and in 1569 Grand Duchy of TuscanyGrand Dukes of Tuscany, ruling for two centuries. Only Republic of Lucca (later a Duchy of LuccaDuchy) was independent from Florence in all Tuscany. The extinction of the Medici line and the accession in 1737 of Francis Stephen, duke of Lorraine and husband of Maria Theresa of Austria, led to Tuscany's inclusion in the territories of the Austrian crown. Austrian rule was to end in defeat at the hands of France and the kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont in 1859, and Tuscany became a province of the united kingdom of Italy in 1861.Florence replaced Turin as Italy's capital in 1865, hosting the country's first parliament, but was superseded by Rome six years later following the latter's addition to the kingdom. After doubling during the 19th century, Florence's population tripled in the 20th with the growth of tourism, trade, financial services and industry. During World War II the city experienced a year-long German occupation (1943-1944). The Allied soldiers who died driving the Germans from Tuscany are buried in cemeteries outside the city (Americans about 9 kilometers (6 miles) south of the city asgdd.it, British and Commonwealth soldiers a few kilometers east of the center on the north bank of the Arnoveteransagency.mod.uk)In November 1966 the Arno flooded parts of the centre, damaging many art treasures. There was no warning from the authorities who knew the flood was coming, except a phone call to the jewellers on the Ponte Vecchio.
Florence and the Renaissance - The surge in artistic, literary, and scientific investigation that occurred in Florence in the 14th century14th-16th century16th centuries was precipitated by Florentines' preoccupation with money and with conspicuous consumptionthe display of wealth and leisure.Added to this, the crises of the Catholic church (especially the controversy over the French Avignon Papacy and the Western SchismGreat Schism) along with the catastrophic effects of the Black Death were to lead to a re-evaluation of medieval values, resultant in a revisitation of those of classical antiquity. Florence benefited materially and culturally from this sea-change in social consciousness.
A tour of Florence - At the heart of the city is the Fountain of Neptune, which is a masterpiece of marble sculpture at the terminus of a still functioning Roman aqueduct. The Arno river, which cuts through the old part of the city, is as much a character in Florentine history as many of the men who lived there. Historically, the locals have had a love-hate relationship with the Arno -- which alternated from nourishing the city with commerce, and destroying it by flood. Many of the bridges across the Arno were built by the Romans.One of the bridges in particular, however, stands out as being unique -- The Ponte Vecchio, whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built on it. First constructed by the Etruscans in ancient times, this bridge is the only one in the city to have survived World War II intact. The most famous palace in the city is Basilica di San Lorenzo di FirenzeSan Lorenzo, which has become a monument to the Medici family who were one of the most powerful families in Florence during the 15th century. Nearby is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art galleries in the world. The Uffizi itself is located on the corner of Piazza della Signoria, a site important for three main reasons: In 1301, it was where Dante was sent into Exile (a plaque on one of the walls of the Uffizi commemorates the event). In 1497, it was the location of the Bonfire of the Vanities (a plaque in the middle of the plaza commemorates that event), followed in 1498 by the execution of its its instigator, Girolamo Savonarola In 1504, it was the original location of Michelangelo's David (now replaced by a reproduction as the original was moved indoors to the Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno), in front of the Palazzo della Signoria (aka Palazzo Vecchio).In addition to the Uffizi, Florence has other world-class museums: The Bargello concentrates on sculpture, containing many priceless works of art created by such sculptors as Donatello, Giambologna, and Michelangelo. The ''Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno'' (often simply called the ''Accademia'') collection's highlights are Michelangelo's David and his ''Slaves''. Across the Arno is the huge Pitti Palace lavishly decorated with the Medici family's former private collection. Adjoining the Palace are the Boboli Gardens, elaborately landscaped and with many interesting sculptures.The elaborate Basilica di Santa Croce, FlorenceSanta Croce church contains the monumental tombs of Galileo GalileiGalileo, Michelangelo, Dante (actually a cenotaph), and many other notables.The crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as "The Duomo". The magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. The nearby Campanile Tower (by Giotto di BondoneGiotto) and the Battistero di San Giovanni (Florence)Baptistery buildings are also highlights. Other important sites in Florence include the church of Santa Maria Novella and the Orsanmichele.The city's principal football team is ACF Fiorentina.Florence has been the setting for numerous works of fiction and filmmovies, including the novel and film ''Hannibal (movie)Hannibal''.Florence also maintains sister-city relationship with Sydney, Australia.
Demographics - Like many cities in Italy, the pensioner population overwhelms those who are under 14 years of age. This ageing process is due to low fertility which is widespread in Italy.Age Structure0-14: 11.0%15-64: 63.2%65+: 25.8%Racial Profile91.5% ItalyItalian1.0% ChinaChinese1.0% AlbaniaAlbanian
Notable people from the city - Dante Alighieri Lorenzo de Medici Cosimo de Medici Michelangelo Girolamo Savonarola Niccolò Machiavelli Francesco Guicciardini Baccio D'Agnolo Marco Masini Franco Zeffirelli Florence Nightingale Oriana Fallaci Countess de Castiglione Guccio Gucci
Administration - Mayor: Leonardo Domenici, elected June 13, 1999
See also - Stendhal syndrome List of Florentine churches University of Florence Chancellor of Florence Historical states of Italy
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Websites
Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO)
For the past 25 years, the Convention & Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon (CVALCO) has been marketing Lane County as a convention, meeting, event, and leisure-travel destination to attract overnight visits, thereby enhancing the economic and social well being of Lane County's communities. A recognized visitor industry leader, CVALCO partners with business, civic, government, and community groups, including its 500+ members. CVALCO provides visitors with services and resources to ensure a quality experience. The Official Lane County Oregon Visitor Guide, Meeting & Event Planner, Relocation Guide, Restaurant Guide, and Events Calendar are among CVALCO publications made available to visitors, as well as tools used to promote CVALCO members. CVALCO also operates a Visitor Center and mobile visitor van stocked with numerous attraction and visitor-related brochures to assist visitors. CVALCO is a private, nonprofit association funded by room tax paid by visitors using lodging facilities and campgrounds.
http://www.visitlanecounty.org/
TUSCANY private tours, travel consultation and weddings
Annie Adair and Francesco Gronchi organize weddings and events, provide travel consultation services and private tours in Tuscany, specializing in the town and countryside around Volterra, Italy.
http://www.tuscantour.com/
Accommodations Villa in Tuscany Landscape
Accommodations in countryhouse in Tuscany, rents apartments in a residence in the Chianti for vacations in Italy, around Florence, Arezzo, Siena near Cavriglia, Valdarno Villa Fabry s house Tuscany country house
http://www.fabryshouse.com/
Sightseeing with a guide in Florence
Tours in Florence with legally licensed tour guides. Walk around with somebody who knows...
http://www.florenceguide.it/
Ape Touring Holidays and Tourism in Italy
ApeTouring offers holiday houses in Italy, apartments to rent by the sea in Apulia, villas with swimming pools in Tuscany, farmholidays in Umbria. A wide range of quality homes, easy to find and book.
http://www.holidaysaccommodation.com
Hotels and B&Bs in Florence Italy
Florence Hotels Directory: choose your hotel, B&B and apartment in Florence by location, fee or category: secure bookings.
http://www.inflorencehotels.com/
Arttrav.com
be informed. art. travel. food. shopping.
http://www.arttrav.com/
Top Deals on Cheap Hotel Rooms
Top Hotel Rooms is the leader in providing cheap Hotel Room Deals around the world including cheap booking rates for luxury, discount and budget hotels
http://www.tophotelrooms.com/
Gianna's B & B
small, friendly b & B in the centre of Florence - private bathroom wi9th hair-dryer, own fridge and electric kettle, air-conditioning, comfortable armchairs, plenty of books to read, freshly prepared brerakfast each morning ....
http://www.florencebandb.com/
Hotels in Italy
You can easily search the hotel you are looking for all over Italy. You can book or request info receiving hotels' answers directly in your mailbox
http://www.italytour.it/
The Paperback Exchange - Anglo-American Bookshop in Florence, Italy
-Thousands of titles always present in the bookshop. -Hundreds of new titles ordered each month for stock and for customer's need. -Speed in importing from UK and USA (usually 2/3 working days). -Used books, too! A continuous flow, at low prices.
http://www.papex.it/
Florence
A complete Florence guide with informations and interesting links.
http://www.firenze-online.com/florence/visit.florence/
Town of Florence
Florence is in Pinal County between Phoenix and Tucson. This allows for easy access to the two largest cities in Arizona while maintaining the small town atmosphere. Because of year-round sunshine and ideal climate, Florence is the perfect place for the retired. It is excellent for those seeking a warm, clean air area for health purposes.
http://www.historicflorence.com/
Accademia del Giglio
Italian language, drawing and painting courses in the centre of Florence, Italy.
http://www.adg.it/
Architectural Specialties - Budwell International,Ltd.
Handcrafted individual designs Mediterranean,vintage european,asian,oriental, and natural country style contructions
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Le Mura di Montalto - Countryside holiday rental in Tuscany
Rent a two-bedroom apartment in a farm house in the Tuscan countryside. Le Mura is a quiet old farm house on the edge of an olive grove in the Chianti area of Tuscany between Siena and Arezzo...
http://www.lemuradimontalto.it/
TrueZeal: SC Webmaster Greenville based website design firm serving South Carolina.
SC Webmaster is a Greenville SC based website design firm, offering Dynamic and Static website solutions.
http://www.truezeal.com/
Wedding Dj in Italy
Weddings, parties and events! In Italy you can entertain your guests with our music! enter the website
http://www.serviziodj.it
Il Foglio Costa d'Amalfi
Il Foglio Costa d'Amalfi: periodico di informazione, notizie, cultura, costume della Costiera Amalfitana. Informazioni sugli avvenimenti di Amalfi, Ravello, Positano...
http://www.ilfogliocostadamalfi.it/
Tour-Web, Italian tourism database
Over 4500 Italian tourism companies and their special offers and last minutes. The starting point for any travel and holiday in Italy
http://www.tour-web.it/
Annabella Hotel in Florence, Italy
the NEW Hotel Annabella in Florence, Italy - Located in the city center, very close to the central train station of Firenze S. Maria Novella (only 100 mt.), nearby the Exhibition Center of Fortezza da Basso, in front of the Conference and Congress Center and close to the most important museums and monuments of Florence. All rooms equipped with private bath, shower, A/C, telephone and satellite TV set. Hotel open 24 hours a day: NO CURFEW. Nice terrace on the roof where guests can sunbathe and enjoy a marvellous view on the city. Baggage storage: FREE OF CHARGE.
http://www.hotelannabella.it/
HOMES IN TUSCANY
The best solution for buying and selling in Tuscany...Florence
http://www.ilmattoneimmobiliare.it/links.htm
Erin Aislinn, erotic romance author
View Erin Aislinn's current releases, read excerpts, and enter Erin Aislinn's Book Cover of the Month contest for a chance to win free books from various authors.
http://www.erinaislinn.com/
The Galilei Institute
The only school in Italy, certified by the Ministry of Education, which offers exclusively personalized and full-immersion courses of Italian language, art and cooking. Established in 1985, the Galilei Institute attained the highest prestige among language schools in Italy by providing its services to the leading companies of the world.
http://www.galilei.it/
Surf Session Report ( Hawaii Surf Session Report )
SURFING and all watersports action from all around Hawaii and the North Shore mixed with good music and packaged like a surf video. Hawaii Surf Session Report is the first and the best video surf podcast. HSSR, focuses on the best waves and the best surfers of the day, from all parts of the islands year round. Daily video of the surf and surfers, watermen sports, the variety of people on the beach, the lifestyles and the scene in Hawaii,are captured and packaged into a mini-surf movie, post surf session review. Visit our website for free photos, daily updates, slideshows and giveaways.
http://www.surfsessionreport.com
Italian Historical Society of America
The Italian Historical Society of America was founded in 1949 to perpetuate the names of those of Italian heritage who have cotnributed to the advancement of humankind and inspired others.
http://www.italianhistorical.org/
Tuscany Tours
Private walking & driving guided tours all Tuscany Reservations museums to avoid lines Van 8 seats +1 for driver & guide same person, high tech microphone & license to enter in all traffic limited area of city center
http://www.florencetour.com/
Xcalak, Costa Maya Mexico Caribbean travel adventures weather information shop, portillas.com
Xcalak, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, Yucatan Caribbean beach Mexico travel and vacation adventures stories, blogs, free fiction ebook, jokes, pictures and photos, local weather information, fishing, scuba shop Portillas.com
http://www.portillas.com/
B&B Al Tuscany, Lucca
This will be your residence in the heart of Lucca, jewel of Tuscany. The charm of the ancient town that relives a renewed splendour, united to the most modern comforts offers you a really relaxing stay. The rooms have private bathroom, TV, telephone line, mini-bar, individual electronic heating and electronic safe. It is possible to use the kitchen on demand. From the spacious suite you can enjoy the view of the San Martino Cathedral.
http://www.altuscany.it/
Firenze.net
Portal site for visitors with maps, local information, shopping details, images, restaurants, events and transport information.
http://english.firenze.net/
Florence by Net
Restaurants, night life, pubs, sports and other entertainment of Florence.
http://www.florence.ala.it/
Institute and Museum of History of Science - Florence, Italy
The museum and web site are particularly rich resources for the life and work of Galileo.
http://galileo.imss.firenze.it/
Uffizi
Offre una vasta panoramica del museo più grande e famoso di Firenze.
http://www.uffizi.firenze.it/
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