It was only relatively late in its history that Florence gained any real power in Tuscany. The city was for a long time dominated by Fiesole, then by Lucca, which during the Middle Ages was the capital of Tuscany (then called Tuscia).
The expansion of Florence began around the year one thousand, when two masterworks of Romanesque architecture saw the light, the church San Miniato al Monte and the baptistry.
In 1115, after the death of the Countess Mathilde, the citizens of Florence gained their independence. In the thirteenth century the wool industry played a considerable role in the economy of the city. In the fourteenth century, after numerous conflicts with other important cities, Florence dominated a large part of Tuscany.
In 1434, after a period in exile, Cosimo de Medici (Cosimo the Elder) entered the city as its lord. After him his nephew Lorenzo, later named Il Magnifico, the Magnificent, took over the reigns of the city. A true child of his age, Lorenzo’s Renaissance spirit was reflected in the works of Brunelleschi, Leon Battitsa Alberti, Michelozzo, Benedetto da Maiano, Andrea del Castagno, Botticelli, Donatello and others.
In the fifteenth century a signory effectively replaced the Florentine Republic. At the death of Lorenzo il Magnifico, Charles VIII put a halt to the expansion of power of the Medicis. During the following two centuries Florence experienced an economic decline and in 1737 the dynasty of the Medicis came to an end.
In 1807 Florence was annexed by the French empire and following the plebiscite in 1860 the city, together with the rest of Tuscany, became part of the kingdom of Italy. Between 1865 and 1871 Florence was the capital of Tuscany.
Since then, the city has experienced an economic and demographic boom. Despite the damage sustained during the war and following the flood of 1966, Florence continues to grow. Today, it is one of the most important art cities in Italy. In addition to its artistic and cultural treasures, Florence is characterised by an atmosphere and charm of its own which quickly seduces the visitor.
Surrounding area:
Borgo San Lorenzo
The most important centre of the Mugello (see below). Here we find the Castello del Trebbio with gardens dating back to the fifteenth century, and the Villa di Cafaggiolo, one of the premier Medicean villas. A visit to Borgo San Lorenzo should also include a visit to the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo (1263)
Certaldo
Of Etrusco-Roman origin, Certaldo is divided into two parts: the upper, older, part (Certaldo Alto or Castello), and Certaldo Basso, or Borgo, situated in the plain. Certaldo Alto is characterised by splendid medieval buildings such as Palazzo Pretorio and the thirteenth-century church of Santi Jacopo e Filippo.
Chianti
Situated between Florence and Siena, the Chianti is the region that produces the world-renowned wine of the same name. Vineyards, olive groves, fields and forests of chestnut trees characterise this stunning region. The wine trail along road number 222, commonly called the Via Chiantigiana, skirts the ridges of the hills of the Chianti passing through splendid villages such as Greve in Chianti, Montefioralle, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Castellodi Brolio and many others.
Empoli
Since the post-war years, this is where the region’s glass and textile industries have settled and expanded. Once dominated by agriculture, today the region is marked by rather industrialised suburbs.
Fiesole
The archaeological remains, the beauty of the landscape and the artistic heritage of Fiesole continue to attract large numbers of visitors. Of Etruscan origin, it was once the preferred seat of the Medicis. Numerous gardens and villas dating back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries enhance the beauty of the place which also boasts magnificent views of Florence.
Figline Valdarno
One of the more interesting urbanised parts of Florence and an important industrial centre.
Il Mugello
This ancient summer residence preferred by aristocrats and the more moneyed citizens of Florence. Surrounded by mountains, Il Mugello is a valley through which runs the Sieve, and enjoys a temperate climate. The landscape is one of green stretches interspersed with pine and oak forests, which give way to vineyards and orchards.
Impruneta
A charming village situated in the wine growing region of the Chianti. Impruneta (“In Prunetis”, that is, amidst the brambles) is reputed for its shingles, pottery, bricks and decorative objects crafted in terracotta.
Prato
Named the “Capital of Fabric”, Prato has been, since the thirteenth century, one of the centres of the Italian textile industry. Today it is above all a centre for the manufacture of wool and man-made fibres. Prato’s historic heritage includes a church dedicated to the Holy Virgin, which is a destination for pilgrims.
Vallombrosa
Renowned for its location and the beauty of its panorama and magnificent pine forests. The site consists of the old village (located at an altitude of 958 m) which includes the Abbey of Vallombrosa with buildings dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The poet John Milton celebrated the beauty of this place in his Paradise Lost. Vallombrosa is an ideal starting point for numerous excursions and hikes.
Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was born close to Vinci, in a countryside dominated by olive groves and vines. The Museum Leonardiano situated within the old castle , exhibits numerous models of Leonardo’s designs. Flying machines, water canons, armoured vehicles, and various mechanical models all testify to the creative genius of this inventor, engineer, artist and painter. The casa di Leonardo is close by, in the hamlet of Anciano.
For any question about Agriturismo in Florence, please contact our Tuscany Agriturismo Specialist
Alessandro@dolcevita.be
Tel: +32 2 653 25 20
Ask him for a customized proposal !
