Florence, Italy

Birthplace of the Renaissance

Firenze, known in modern times as Florence, Italy, was the home of the Medici and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Vast amounts of art and architecture were produced during this time, largely thanks to the patronage of the Medici family.

The Medici familiy were prominent bankers in Florence who also had their hands in politics. Additionally, they commissioned huge numbers of paintings, and art in other forms, from local artists. They even patronized architects and were responsible for naming Filippo Brunelleschi as the architect of the Duomo, a real miracle of architecture and a definite masterpiece.