Florence

Among the inhabitants of Florence, the saying is widespread: "All roads lead to Rome, but through Florence", indeed, this city occupies an exceptional position on the map of Italy.

Флоренция раскинулась на берегах реки Арно и ведет свою историю с 59 года до н. э. Первоначально это был военный лагерь, под названием Флорентиа, постепенно разросшийся до крупного города.

Florence stretches along the banks of the Arno River and traces its history back to 59 BC. e. Initially, it was a military camp called Florentia, gradually expanded to a large city.

Despite everything, in the XIV century, Florence became one of the largest and most prosperous cities, thanks to its advantageous position and the development of trade.

The brilliant Renaissance and the active development of the arts left their mark on Florence. In the XI century, the first architectural monuments were built: the baptistery and the church of San Minato al Monte. In the XIII century, the ruling elite did not spare funds for the construction of buildings and did everything to write Florence in history.

The most eminent masters and architects gathered here. The 15th century can rightfully be called the flowering of art in Florence. The city's richest families competed for their involvement in the art world and patronized Florence's prosperity. The Medici family played a special influence on the development of the city, they created the first public library and patronized scientists, artists and poets.

In addition to the development of the fine arts, Florence is considered one of the jewelry flagships of the world. It is not for nothing that this city is called the capital of geniuses, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo lived and worked here at the same time. The museums have gathered an outstanding collection of works of art. Naturally, art workers did not bypass the jewelry art, creating their masterpieces here. Craftsmen who came from Florence are famous for their virtuoso craftsmanship and unsurpassed design. The oldest jewelry houses began their history within the walls of their native Florence.

Not for nothing, opposite the main attraction of the city - the Uffizi Gallery, you will find the Ponte Vecchu Bridge, also known as the "Golden Bridge" or "Jewelers Bridge". Initially, there was nothing elegant in it - meat was sold in the shops and there was an indescribable stench. However, in 1444, the rulers ordered the liquidation of the impolite place and jewelry workshops arose on the site of butchers' shops. Over time, the jewelry business expanded throughout the city, and monuments to local jewelers began to be erected. So, here is a monument to Benvenuto Cellini - artist and jeweler.