Florence

Florence is a famous Italian city, situated 50 miles from the sea. It lies in the valley of the Arno, and is built on both sides of the river, but chiefly on the North. The outlying suburbs are singularly beautiful, and are surrounded by finely wooded hills, bright with gay villas and charming gardens. The old city itself is characterised by a sombre grandness, and is full of fine buildings of historic and artistic interest. Chief amongst these is the cathedral, or Duomo, begun in 1298, with its grand dome and campanile (293 ft.), by Giotto. It is the city of Dante, Petrarch, Michael Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Galileo and many more of Italy's great men, and has a history of exceptional interest. It has many fine art galleries. It is an educational centre, and traditionally carries on a trade in straw-plaiting and silk.

Nearby pages
Florence Nightingale, Florent Carton Dancourt, Florida, Florus, Flow