Florence

What it's known for

Florence is often called the birthplace of the Renaissance, and it was the home of the powerful Medici family. Its Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, is full of famous art and buildings, including the Uffizi Gallery.

Fun facts

1. Florence began as a Roman garrison town in 59 BC, and its Latin name, Florentia, means 'the flourishing town'.
2. The dome of the cathedral, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is still the largest brick dome of its kind in the world.
3. The Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with shops, was the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction in the Second World War.