Julius Caesar established Florence in 59 BC as a military post along the banks of the
river Arno. He christened the town Florentia, or "the flourishing one", but the city
did not truly come into its own until the 12th and 13th centuries, when a few merchant
and banking families began to distinguish themselves in the world market. Many street
names in Florence refer to the colorful figures that shaped its extensive history.
Florence is best known as the city responsible for the birth of the Renaissance.
It is here n this once great city state that the patronage of the de' Medici family
brought the great minds of Italy together to create one of the principal centers of art
and education. The Renaissance brought here genius such as Michelangelo and Leonardo.
Here, we visted the Duomo, saw The David (I wish I had sneaked a picture, but cameras
were not allowed), and walked and ate some more. Unfortunately, one day is not enough
time to spend in Florence. On my last trip, I'd have to say that Florence was my
favorite Italian city and I think I can say the same thing again. I could spend days
visiting museums and marvelling over the works of Michaelangelo and Da Vinci. But,
alas, that'll have to be for another trip