A Short History of Florence

Florence [Firenze] is more than just a city...much, much more. If one were to examine a list of the past residents there would be no doubt that this is the birthplace of human creativity – “The Cradle of The Renaissance”.

The list includes Michelangelo, da Vinci, Brunelleschi, Dante, Botticelli, Galileo, Verdi, Puccini, and Macchiavelli – just to name a few of the artists and thinkers who helped Florence become the gem that she is today.

Nestled within lush hills, tinged in a divine natural light, the cobblestone roads and picturesque roofs that belong to the city give testimony to the outstanding magnificence of a small village that was created with regal history. The wealth and sponsorship of the Medici family gave birth to the blending of political strength, creative inhabitants, coupled with financial capabilities that created the Renaissance within its boundaries.

All has not been roses for Florence, unfortunately. There were physical conflicts throughout the centuries [ Firenze vs. Siena, Pisa vs. Lucca] as well as intellectual feuds [ Brunelleschi vs. Ghiberti]. These actually gave fuel to the magnificence as well as the ugly in the growth of Florence to that which we love.

The knowledge and emotions that the leaders of the Renaissance left in and for Florence is evident today through the arts and crafts of local artists and creators. These include but are not limited to handmade items made of leather, fine fabrics, glass, paper and additional that are given their beautiful birth in the bottegas surrounding Florence and all of Tuscany. These artisans are thrilled to exist in Florence and the present-day city is testimony to the intellectual brilliance and natural grace of daily life in the “Belle of Tuscany”.