Interesting Historical Facts You Need To Know About Florence, Italy

Florence is the capital of Tuscany. This city is known for its umpteen museums and Renaissance art and architecture.

Florence is located in the northwest of Rome and is surrounded by the rolling hills, vineyards and farmlands.

The city was founded by Julius Caesar in 59 B.C. to retire his veteran Roman soldiers.

Florence became a powerful city in 1,100 AD. During this period Iconic cathedrals of Europe were built here.

Between 1865 and 1870 Florence was once the capital of the  Italy.

Did you know it took 140 years to construct Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore? The work started in 1296 and it was completed in 1463.

Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance from the 14th to the 17th century.

The Ponte Vecchio bridge, a famous landmark of Florence was rescued by none other than Hitler during the World War II.

Florence was the first European city with paved streets. Thus its a birthplace of pavement.

The Italian Gelato that you relish was invented in Florence in 1565.

The Uffizi Gallery built in the 16th century was used as offices by the Medici government. Today it serves as an art gallery.

The birthplace of the modern Italian language is Florence.

Florentine a dialect that was used by the natives and poets of Florence became a standard foundation for the modern Italian language.

Florence has the largest collection of renaissance art in the world.

According to UNESCO, 60% of the world's art pieces are found in Italy. Half of them are in museums of Florence.

Florence is the birthplace of Opera. The first opera, Dafne, was written by Jacopo Peri in 1598.

Originally, Piano was created by Bartolomeo Cristofori around the year 1700 in Florence.

Duke of Florence, Pietro Leopoldo abolished the death penalty and torture from Tuscany’s legal code.

Florence was the first city to abolish the death penalty in the whole of Europe.

Florence Nightingale, the famous nurse was born in Florence on the 12th of May 1820.

The Adventures of Pinnochio was authored by a Florentine write Carlo Collodi between 1881 and 1883.

Florence is the birthplace of the Guccio Gucci founder of the luxury brand Gucci in 1921.

The world’s oldest scientific museum or La Specola is located in Florence. The museum was opened on Feb 21, 1775.

During the riots, Michelangelo hid in a secret room under the Medici Chapel until the situations were calm. He used this period to draw the prison graffiti.

Leonardo da Vinci was born in Florence on April 14th 1452.

Do you know why Florentines bake bread without salt?

In the 14th century, a war broke out between Pisa and Florence known as Battle of Cascina.

Pisans cut the supply of salt to bring the enemies to the knees.

Instead of surrendering, Florentines starting making bread without salt. This continues to this day.

Florence is a romantic city that has something to offer everyone. If you are a lover of arts and medieval history or curious about food include Florence in your bucket list.