Florence also known by the names of Firenze and Florentia is the capital city of the region of Tuscany in Italy. Florence is a fascinating and historical city which is built on both sides of the river Arno, at the foot of the Apennine Mountains.
 

Throughout its long history, which dates back to the 1st century BC when it was founded as an Etruscan settlement and later a Roman town occupied by Roman militaries; Florence has been a republic, a seat of the duchy of Tuscany and also the capital of Italy.

Following the rule of the Romans, Florence was controlled in the 5th and 6th century by Goths and Byzantines. The end of the 12th century saw Florence as a leading city of Tuscany. The Guelphs held control of the city until the end of the 13th century when warfare raged. This in turn made Florence grow, along with the sale of tapestries and jewellery which brought great wealth.

The powerful Medici family ruled Florence from 1434 and under its successors was called the Golden City for two centuries developing an incredible artistic influence with famous names including Michelangelo, Leonardo di Vinci, Donatello and Raphael making their stamp on the world.
Florence was the jewel of the Italian Renaissance and it was during this time that Cosimo l de’Medici became Grand Duke making Florence the duchy of Tuscany.

In 1737, the Merdici line died out and by 1865 Florence had become the capital of Italy until 1871 when Rome took over. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Florence’s tourism trade boomed until World War II when German soldiers occupied the city and the only bridge across the river Arno that survived the bombing was the Ponte Vecchio.

Today Florence is one of Europe’s finest treasure troves for history, art and architectural splendour. Tourists flock in their thousands to visit the impressive Piazza San Giovanni and the Piazza del Duomo. The Franciscan Church of Santa Croce has a crucifix on view designed by Donatello. San Lorenzo church contains Michelangelo’s tombs of Medici. The Pitti Palace houses many fine works of art by Raphael and Leonardo di Vinci’s birth place, Vinci lies just outside the city.

A great place to stay and be able to enjoy all the sights that Florence has to offer is the Borgo di Colleoli. Located an hours drive from Florence city centre, the unique resort offers both a beautiful boutique hotel and superb self catering apartments. Visitors can explore the impressive 23 acres of grounds surrounding the Palazzo and apartments or relax by one of the outdoor swimming pools and soak up the terrific Tuscan sunshine.

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