Only a few hour's drive northwest of Italy's capital Rome,
at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, stands idyllic Florence.
This flourishing Mediterranean city full of historic buildings
is one of the highlights of a trip to Europe.
Welcome to the city of Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo
and the place where Leonardo da Vinci learned how to paint.
Welcome to "Firenze"!
Florence's written history dates back to 59 B.C.,
when Julius Caesar set up camp on the banks of the Arno river.
Explore the compact Centro Storica,
which was built on early Roman foundations and shop
for leather sandals and handbags.
For good luck, put a coin on the snout of "Il Porcellino".
Even though it is just a replica, it might just work!
More than 1,400 years after the first Roman settlement,
the church and wealthy merchant families ruled Florence.
The Medici family were responsible for the greatest buildings
and most elaborate art.
They handpicked master painters, architects and sculptors
and created one of the most cultural cities in Europe.
An example of their efforts is the Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi,
this is a prime example of Italian Renaissance architecture.
He also built the dome of the 750-year-old
Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo.
Lovers of religious art won't want to miss the Uffizi Gallery
that spans the long city block
between the Palazzo Vecchio and the Arno River.
Even outdoors there are sculptures everywhere you look:
On the churches, the fountains and the piazzas.
The larger-than-life statue of king David, by Michelangelo,
is among the most famous sculptures in the world.
This version on the Piazza della Signora is just a replica:
The original marble David is kept safe
in the Gallery of The Academy north of the piazza.
Cross the 400-year-old Ponte Vecchio.
which was spared from World War II bombardments because of its charm.
On the other side of the river stands Palazzo Pitti.
As one of the old residences of the Medici family,
it houses some of their heirlooms in its expansive public galleries.
Florence is one of those destinations
where you find yourself constantly pointing your camera
at yet another magnificent building.
It is easy to imagine why this city
has captured the hearts of so many travelers.
When it is time to say "Arrivederci!",
remember to look back over the river one more time
at the cradle of the Renaissance.