The city is located on the Arno River and is known for its history and importance in the Middle
Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. A medieval commercial and
economic center, being one of the richest cities of the times, Florence is considered the birthplace
of the Italian Renaissance; in fact it was called Athens in the Middle Ages. It was a long time under
the de facto leadership of the Medical Family.
From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
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