The present day Florence, a city in Italy, hides back a fascinating history that can reveal many secrets about the exciting city. Florence has an impressive history that makes it the world’s most artistic and architecturally attractive city. The word beautiful is an understatement to the class of this historic city. One has to travel way back to centuries so that the history can be pulled out from the root.Florence is a city in Italy that exists from the Roman time, which was ruled by Etruscans.
Julius Caesar founded the city when he was in power during the 59 BC. The Romans established an essential trading center in the 3rd century after defeating the mighty Etruscans. The 5th century ended the prosperous and peaceful lives of the Florentines as the Roman Empire crumbled before the waves of Barbarian Conquerors, who landed in Florence from Europe. After this, the Italian unity was lost for almost 1400 years which is considered as the “Dark Age” for Florence.
After the Dark Age, the city soon turned into a battleground between the pro imperial Ghibelline and pro papal Guelphs. Baptistery and San Miniato al Monte became the first churches to be built in the 11th century. By the 13th century, powerful families emerged in the city, among which families like Medici and Albizi dominated Florence for many years to come. During this time, Florence was richer and stronger.
Florence was announced city-state in the 15th century under the control of a wealthy merchant and supporter of arts, named Cosimo de' Medici. This Medici family ruled over the city of Florence from 1469 to 1492. As the history of many other countries states some conspiracies, Florence is not an exception.
The 16th century gave Florence the name, “City of Art” and the same century saw the rising of the universal artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo. A sculptural masterpiece of Michelangelo is situated in the Signoria Square which is a symbol of freedom to the city of Florence. Many scholars and poets became active in Florence and the Accademia della Crusca was established in 1582. During the Renaissance, a school of music was built where the first opera and Euridice were performed in 1594 and 1600 respectively.
The 18th century saw transfer of power to different hands. Firstly, the French family of Lorraine took over Medici power, but by the end of the century Napoleon took the control of Florence. It was designated as the capital of Italy in 1860 until its transfer to Rome. Today, most of the Florence’s greatness lies in the charming history of the city. It still has many things to be discovered like airy gardens, shopping, parks, fabulous cuisine and the best among all is the combination of artistic atmosphere with the breathtaking scenes.
