Ciao, florence

Florentia — literally "florid city" — was the name given by the Romans to this settlement founded in the I century A.D. along the Arno river, at the foot of Fiesole, an Etruscan city whose ruins are visible on the hill which dominates the city. The flowering of Florence in art, culture and international trade began in the 13th century and it reached its peak in the 15th century under the reign of the Medici family, who ruled over the city for more than three centuries. Everywhere you turn in Florence, you find extraordinary works of art and architecture, which attract almost 8 million tourists every year — from the Palazzo Vecchio to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to the Cathedral with its magnificent dome and the tower designed by Giotto. Along the river Arno, the Ponte Vecchio with its jewellery shops is a must for all those who pass through the city, as well as the splendid Boboli gardens across the river. Florence is also an international wine and gastronomic centre, Chianti is its most famous local product together with the celebrated Fiorentina steak on the bone.