Facts About Florence

Florence, once the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, became part of the unified Italy in 1861. In 1865, it was chosen as the new capital, succeeding Turin. However, this status was short-lived as Rome took over as the capital in 1870. These historical facts highlight Florence's significance in Italy's political landscape during the 19th century.

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Florence is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 15 million visitors in 2018 alone. This figure only accounts for those who stayed at least one night in the city, indicating that the actual number of tourists is much higher. To put this into perspective, the total population of Florence was only 707,000 in 2018, which means the number of tourists was 21 times greater than the city's population. These statistics reveal the massive influx of tourists to Florence each year.

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During World War II, the German army occupied Florence, and at the end of the war, they destroyed all of the bridges in the city, except for one. The legend goes that Hitler loved the iconic Ponte Vecchio so much that he instructed his soldiers not to destroy it, thus saving the bridge from ruin. This little-known fact about Florence highlights the bridge's significance as a cultural and historical landmark, even in times of war.

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In 1339, Florence became the first city in Europe to pave its streets. Despite the ancient Romans' use of pavement in their roads, the practice had been forgotten after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, the city's banks and merchants provided the necessary funding for the project, which soon became a trend across Europe. This little-known fact about Florence underscores the city's innovative and progressive nature, even in the Middle Ages.

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Leonardo da Vinci, a renowned artist of the Renaissance known for his mastery of painting, sculpture, architecture, drawing, and more, was born in Vinci on April 14th, 1452. He was born in the village of Anchiano, located just outside the town of Vinci, which was then part of the Republic of Florence. This little-known fact highlights Florence's significant contribution to the art world and the birthplace of one of the most brilliant minds in history.

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Contrary to popular belief, Pinocchio was not invented by Disney. The character was created much earlier by Carlo Collodi, a man born in Florence on November 24th, 1826. Collodi's famous novel "The Adventures of Pinocchio" first introduced the wooden puppet character in 1883. This lesser-known fact underscores Florence's cultural significance in the world of literature and storytelling, providing a platform for famous characters that continue to captivate audiences to this day.

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The Florence Cathedral, also known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo di Firenze, is a significant landmark of the city. Its construction began in 1296 and was completed 140 years later in 1436. This lesser-known fact highlights the extensive time and effort put into the building's construction, demonstrating the city's dedication to architectural excellence and historical preservation. The Florence Cathedral continues to attract visitors from all over the world, marveling at its impressive beauty and rich history.

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The Duomo's enormous dome is its main attraction, boasting more than 4 million bricks and weighing 37,000 metric tons. Standing over 10 stories tall, it is an architectural masterpiece and the largest brick dome in the world. Visiting the Duomo is a must-do activity in Florence, offering an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you in awe of the remarkable feat of engineering and construction that created this magnificent structure.

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The white Lily, or Giglio, has been the symbol of Florence for centuries, proudly displayed on the city's flag. Originally, the flag featured a white lily on a red background, but in 1266, after the Guelphs' victory over the Ghibellines, the colors were reversed to a red lily on a white background. The Giglio continues to be a significant symbol of Florence's rich history and cultural heritage, celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

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Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, was initially based in Venice, where he experimented with new instruments. During a visit to Venice, the Grand Prince of Tuscany, Ferdinando de Medici, discovered Cristofori and invited him to Florence, where he was provided with a workshop for his inventions. It was in this workshop that Cristofori invented the piano in 1700, making Florence the birthplace of this iconic musical instrument.

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Gucci, the renowned Italian luxury fashion brand, was established in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. It has become one of the most lucrative Italian fashion brands in present times. Today, the brand has been associated with many high-profile celebrities over the years, including Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Tom Ford. In addition to clothing and accessories, Gucci also produces fragrances, home decor, and even pet accessories.

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The birthplace of modern opera is believed to be Florence, where a group of local artists, writers, and musicians known as the Florentine Camerata aimed to revive Greek plays through music. Their efforts led to the creation of the first opera, Dafne, by Jacopo Peri in 1598. Today, opera remains an integral part of the city's cultural heritage, with performances held at historic venues such as the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the Teatro Comunale di Firenze.

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In 1966, Florence was hit by a catastrophic flood caused by heavy and constant rain that caused the Arno River to overflow. The flood submerged the city and reached a height of 6.7 meters (22 feet), causing widespread damage. Tragically, 101 people lost their lives and 5,000 families were left homeless. The flood also damaged millions of books and artworks, leading to ongoing restoration work in the city even today.

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According to UNESCO, Italy has the largest concentration of the world's most important artworks, of which half are located in Florence. This means that almost a third of the world's masterpieces are housed in Florence, including many from the Italian Renaissance period.

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The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is home to the world's best collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring paintings, sculptures, antiques, drawings, and prints. With over 2 million visitors in 2018, it is the most visited museum in Italy and one of the most popular attractions in the city. The gallery boasts masterpieces by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli.

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