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Known the world over as the cradle of the Renaissance,
Florence has long been a center of art and history.
Situated near the center of Italy on the Arno River,
artistic and architectual treasures lie around every
corner.
The Duomo, one of Europe's most recognizable landmarks,
looms over the city. The building features a massive
dome designed by Brunelleschi; baptistry doors, known
as the Gates of Paradise, Created by Ghiberti; and frescos
by a variety of renowned Renaissance artists.
The city features bustling piazzas, museums, and churches
for students to explore. Florence is home to countless
artistic works from the likes on Michelangelo, Leonardo
DaVinci, Botticelli, and may other Italian masters.
To the north of Florence lies the Tuscan hill town
of Barga. Greatly influenced by Florentine culture,
Barga was once a stronghold of the Medici. Barga enjoys
a rich cultural life with many music festivals, inculding
jazz and opera, and is home to a 17th century theatre.
Quick Facts: Italy
Location: Southern
Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean
Sea
Population: 58 million
Time Zone: EST + 6
hours
Area: 115,793 sq mi;
slightly larger than Arizona (Note: includes Sardinia
and Sicily.)
Language: Italian
(official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region
are predominantly German speaking), French (French-speaking
minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking
minority in Trieste-Gorizia area)
Currency: euro (formerly
lira) [Click here
for currency converter] |
