Florence casts a spell in the way that few cities can, perhaps because of its art or due to the views over the River Arno or maybe it’s the food and wine. Virtually unchanged since the 16th century it makes for a fascinating destination.

Reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, it is located in the heart of Tuscany and is its capital. This region, to put it mildly, is stunning on a scenic level. There is so much to see and do here that one can explore for weeks without being bored. For day trips around the area, the city of Florence is the perfect starting point.

Florence is known as the Renaissance capital of the world; famous artists have resided and worked there: Da Vinci, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo. It is because of these creative people that the galleries and museums here are simply begging to be visited as do its churches, monasteries and palaces. 

It is a city for walking around at a leisurely pace. Planning your trip will allow you to get the most out of your stay. Trying to pack too much into a single, brief visit can result in cultural overload.

Florence is a city for the culturally-inclined, artists, musicians and lovers of history. When planning a visit allow time to savour its infinite possibilities and discover its festivals, shopping, architecture and its rhythm. You’ll be glad you did.

Come discover it for yourself with your family, stay in one of its world class hotels, shop in exclusive boutiques, dine on international cuisine and experience a side to this country, found nowhere else.

Florence offers truly luxurious accommodations such as the exclusive Regency Hotel Florence or the elegant Grand Hotel Florence. Less expensive accommodations such as the Adler Cavalieri Hotel Florence and the Alexander Hotel are on offer as well.

The names of great artist and intellectuals such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Donatello are synonymous with the city of Florence. This beautiful city has had a considerable influence in art and architecture for many centuries and is still considered today to have one of the richest cultures in the world. 

Florence is equally known for its gorgeous weather as the climate is consistently pleasant making this a great tourist location at any point of the year. This weather is not only conducive for tourism, but also has been a key ingredient for this city’s success agriculturally.

Florentia, as it was formerly called, began its recorded history as a settlement for Roman soldier in 59 BC. Julius Caesar had allocated the valley to his veterans. Florentia was situated at the Via Cassia, the main route between Rome and the North. Through this important position, the settlement rapidly expanded into an significant commercial center. In the 3^rd century AD., the Emperor made Florentia the capital of the province of Tuscia. 

The city experienced turbulent periods during the 4^th century under the Byzantine and Ostogothic rule. The city was frequently ravaged and plagued. The population drastically dropped to as few as 1,000 persons.

Under the Lombard rule in the 6^th century, the city saw a period of peace. However, they were conquered by Charlemagne in 774, at which time Florence became part of the Margraviate of Tuscany. The population began to grow and again commerce prospered. In 854 Florence and Fiesole were united in one county.

Florence eventually rose to become one of the most powerful and prosperous cities in Europe, assisted by her own strong gold currency, the florin was introduced in 1252 and quickly became the dominant trade coin of Western Europe. Because Florence was not a port city like Venice, sea trade was not a primary source of its income. Banking, however, was. Many families of Florence, beginning in the thirteenth century, were successful bankers.

During the 14^th century, Florence was forced to endure many tragedies, particularly the Black Death of 1348 which wiped out half of the entire population. Famine and numerous epidemics caused internal strife and wars while the flood of 1333 swept away all the bridges over the Arno with only the Rubaconte remaining.

By 1400, the worst of the upheavals had passed and European society was on the mend. The term “Renaissance" was first used in the late 14^th century by Italian scholars who saw themselves as the vanguard of a period of improved conditions.

The 14^th-16^th centuries saw a surge in artistic, literary, and scientific investigation that occurred in Florence that was precipitated by Florentines' preoccupation with money, banking and trade.

Today, even if much of Florence’s greatness lies in its history, the city is thriving. It has wonderful shopping, peaceful parks, excellent eating, an exhilarating atmosphere and breathtaking views.

The climate of Florence is extremely temperate with warm, dry summers and mildly cold winters with a short rain-season in the early winter months. The summer months generally have an average of 30°C, with July and August being the two hottest months, averaging a daytime temperature 35°C. July and August can be particularly a hard time in Florence as the heat can be quite suppressive especially when it is accompanied with the high tourism rates.

During the winter time, weather drops to 5°C and 10°C and the periodic rainstorms of the fall slowly come to an end. This cold period is very short however, as spring is quick to come in the early months of the New Year.

Spring is the best time to visit as you can see Florence at its best. The gorgeous weather remains between 16°C and 22°C along with very little rain and is one of the most popular times of year for tourism.