About this place

View of Santa Maria del Fiore from the Tower of Arnolfo

Location and Population

Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in central Italy. It is situated on the Arno River, approximately 230 kilometers northwest of Rome, surrounded by rolling hills. The city itself has a population of about 362,353, while the larger metropolitan area is home to 989,460 residents as of 2025.

Historical Outline

Founded as a Roman military colony called Florentia in 59 BC, the city's history is long and rich. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Florence experienced periods of Ostrogothic and Byzantine rule before coming under Lombard control. During the Middle Ages, it emerged as a powerful, autonomous commune and a major European hub for trade and finance, becoming one of the wealthiest cities of its time. The city's influence peaked during the Renaissance, which is widely considered to have originated here.

For centuries, Florence was under the rule of the powerful Medici family, who were influential bankers and patrons of the arts. Their patronage helped fuel the artistic and cultural achievements of the Renaissance. The Medici dynasty ended in the 18th century, and after a period under the House of Lorraine and Napoleonic rule, Florence became part of the Kingdom of Italy. It even served as the kingdom's capital from 1865 to 1871. The historic heart of Florence was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

The Objects of the View

The view from the Tower of Arnolfo captures the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, famously known as the Duomo of Florence. Construction of this vast Gothic and early Renaissance cathedral began in 1296, on the site of the older Santa Reparata church, and was largely completed by 1436. Its exterior is famed for its polychrome marble panels in shades of green and pink, bordered by white. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world. Its most defining feature is the massive dome, an architectural and engineering marvel designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

The vantage point for this photograph, the Tower of Arnolfo, is the bell tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's city hall. Standing at 95 meters, the tower was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and built in the early 14th century. It served a dual purpose as a symbol of the city's power and as a watchtower for defensive purposes. Inside the tower is a small cell called the "Alberghetto," where figures like Cosimo de' Medici and Girolamo Savonarola were once imprisoned. Visitors can ascend the 233 steps to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape.