40 Amazing Facts about Florence

Photographs of Florence, Italy

FUN & INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FLORENCE

  1. Florence Is The Birthplace Of The Piano, Invented By Bartolomeo Cristofori In The 18th Century.
  2. Gucci Was Founded In 1921 By Guccio Gucci In Florence.
  3. The University of Florence, founded in 1321, is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Italy. It has played a significant role in shaping Florence’s intellectual and cultural history.
  4. Florence Was The First City In Europe To Have Paved Streets In 1339.
  5. Florence Is The Birthplace Of Leonardo Da Vinci, Who Was Born In The Lower Valley Of The Arno River On The 15th Of April 1452.
  6. Florence Is The Capital City Of The Region Of Tuscany.
  7. Between 1865 And 1870, Florence Was The Capital City Of The United Kingdom Of Italy.
  8. One of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo’s Statue of David, is housed in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. The statue stands over 17 feet tall and is a symbol of beauty and strength.
  9. The World’s Most Famous Nurse, Florence Nightingale Was Born In Florence On The 12th Of May 1820.
  10. Florence is often referred to as the “Cradle of the Renaissance” due to its significant contributions to art, literature, architecture, and science during the 14th to 16th centuries. The city’s cultural and intellectual environment attracted scholars and artists from all over Europe.
  11. In The Late 16th Century, Opera Was Invented In Florence.
  12. The Mercato Centrale is a two-level indoor market offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and food stalls. The San Lorenzo Market is famous for its leather goods, clothing, and souvenir shops.
  13. Florence was the birthplace of many famous artists, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
  14. The People Of Florence Spoken Fiorentino, Which Was The Tuscan Dialect And Now The Parent Language Of Modern Italian.
  15. The Legions Of Giulio Ceasar Founded The Village In 59BC And Named It Florentia, Now Known As Florence.
  16. The Historic Centre of Florence has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It is home to numerous historical landmarks and cultural treasures.
  17. Florence was once enclosed by a defensive wall, and although most of it was demolished in the 19th century, some sections of the walls and gates still remain. The most well-preserved gate is the Porta San Miniato, located near Piazzale Michelangelo.
  18. The Oldest Church In Florence Is The Basilica Di San Lorenzo.
  19. The Medici Chapels, located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, serve as the burial place for members of the Medici family. They are adorned with magnificent sculptures and artworks, including the famous Medici tombs.
  20. Florence also has another patron saint, Saint Reparata is honoured
  21. with a church named after her, located near the Florence Cathedral.
  22. Almost A Third Of The World’s Art Treasures Reside In Florence, According To UNESCO.
  23. The modern Italian language originates from the Tuscan dialect spoken in Florence during the Renaissance. Many renowned Italian writers, including Dante Alighieri and Petrarch, contributed to the development of the Italian language.
  24. The Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum Has Thousands Of Pair Of Shoes On Display, One Of The Oddest museums.
  25. “Il Duomo” Of Florence Took Approximately 140 Years To Build.
  26. Florence has a tradition of papermaking that dates back centuries. The city’s Oltrarno neighbourhood is known for its artisanal paper shops, where you can find high-quality stationery, notebooks, and decorative papers.
  27. Between The 13th And 18th Centuries, Lions Were Kept In A Den In Front Of The Duomo For The Amusement Of The Citizens And Became The Symbol Of Independence For Florence.
  28. The Ponte Vecchio Is The Only Bridge In Florence That Survived World War II. Hitler Stated That It was Too Beautiful To Destroy.
  29. The city has a vibrant street art scene, with colourful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of various neighbourhoods. The area around Via dell’Agnolo and Piazza dei Ciompi is particularly known for its street art displays.
  30. The Duomo In Florence Is The 3rd Largest In The World, Only Beaten By St.Peter’s Basilica In Rome And St. Paul’s In London.
  31. The Medici Family Was Once The Richest Family In Florence, They Ruled The City For Around 350 Years, Making Their Fortune Themselves As Bankers, Businessmen, And Art Dealers As Well As Gaining Political Power.
  32. The Grand Duchy Of Tuscany Was The First State To Abolish Capital Punishment In November 1786.
  33. Besides the renowned artists of the Renaissance, Florence has been home to many other notable figures, such as Dante Alighieri, the poet and author of “The Divine Comedy,” and Amerigo Vespucci, the explorer who gave his name to the continent of America.
  34. Florence is recognized as a hub for fashion and design. The city hosts the prestigious Pitti Immagine fashion events, showcasing the latest trends and designs in the industry.
  35. Florence Had Two Floods; One On November 4, 1333, And November 4, 1966.
  36. Florence has a strong football culture, and the city has two professional football clubs: ACF Fiorentina, which plays in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football, and Empoli FC, which plays in Serie B.
  37. Florence is known for its delectable cuisine. Florentine dishes often feature high-quality ingredients such as local olive oil, Chianti wine, and T-bone steaks known as “bistecca alla Fiorentina.”
  38. Florence is a popular tourist destination, with over 15 million visitors each year.
  39. The Oltrarno district, situated on the southern bank of the Arno River, is known for its bohemian atmosphere, artisan workshops, and charming streets. It offers a more authentic and local experience of Florence.
  40. The Boboli Gardens, behind the Pitti Palace, are one of the most famous and exquisite Italian gardens. They offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and feature beautiful sculptures, fountains, and panoramic views.

Facts About Florence
Facts About Florence