Florence: Capital of Tuscany

Florence is a large historic city located in north-central Italy, in the region of Tuscany. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, a major cultural center of Italy, and is often referred to as the Athens of the Middle Ages. Florence is an inland city situated on the banks of the Arno River, with a total area of close to 40 square miles. The city has a scenic setting and is surrounded by several picturesque hills, including Arcetri, Settignano, Fiesole, Careggi, Bellosguardo, and others.

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is located about 65 miles south of Bologna, 160 miles southwest of Venice, and around 190 miles southeast of Milan. Rome, the capital of Italy, lies approximately 145 miles south of Florence, while the country of San Marino is about 60 miles to the east. The elevation of Florence is around 160 feet, and most of the surrounding hills are located to the north and northeast of the city center. The historic center of the city lies in the southern part of the metropolitan area, with central districts such as Romito, Statuto, San Niccolò, Bellosguardo, and others.

Modern-day Florence has expanded mainly to the north and northwest, with neighborhoods including Novoli, Rifredi, Coverciano, Varlungo, Rovezzano, Gavinana, Europa, Galluzzo, Due Strade, L’Isolotto, and other residential areas. There are many parks and green spaces throughout the city, especially along the riverbanks. These include Parco delle Cascine, the Boboli Gardens, Giardino delle Rose, Parco della Carraia, Terzo Giardino, and many others.