Florence
Florenz. Firenzi. Fiorenza. Known throughout the world, Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany and boasts a city-wide population of 350,000 inhabitants. The UNESCO recognized medieval site is alive year-round with locals and students taking in all of the city. And who wouldn’t? Florence is a hot spot for travelers from all corners of the world and has been for hundreds of years. Known as the “birthplace of the Renaissance” and home to some of the most famous pieces in art today, Florence was the forerunner to leading the western world out of the Dark Ages.
From the Duomo in the epicenter, Renaissance-era neighborhoods identified by central churches and piazzas stretch out and house neighborhood based customs and identities. To the south of the city the Arno River flows under the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence that was spared the destruction of World War II.