The city of Florence, Italy, is easily one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe and it has been this way for centuries. Even though it has been around for quite some time, Florence remains a popular tourist destination because of its well-preserved architecture, vibrant history and culture, and many other important factors. If you are thinking about planning a trip to Florence Italy or simply want to learn more about this amazing place, here are 8 interesting facts about Florence Italy that you may not know about yet.
1) When was Florence Founded?
Florence was first founded in 59 B.C. by Julius Caesar; when he decided to build a new Roman city on top of a hill at what is now Florence's Piazza Della Signoria. It is said that he envisioned building it on top of Mount David in Jerusalem, but took inspiration from his camp at nearby Fiesole. The original settlement was built in what would become Florence's Oltrarno district and was called Fiesole for its proximity to Fiesole (Mount David). Modern-day mapmakers place Florence squarely where Piazza Della Signoria currently sits; since that is far closer to Fiesole than today's Oltrarno district.
Florence weather is warm year-round, although summers can be quite hot. The average summer temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 C), while winter temperatures are around 42 F (6 C). On average, Florence receives 40 inches of rain a year. Most of Florence’s rainfall comes in November and December. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, but rarely drop below 14 F (-10 C). Snow in Florence is uncommon, occurring once every few years. But when it does snow, flurries are usually light and don’t last for long.
3) Where did the name Florence come from?
Florence, originally known as Fiesole, grew from a settlement of people from nearby Luni who began building dwellings on top of a hill. This settlement served as protection for them against invaders. In 589 B.C., Florence was taken over by an invading army and in 507 B.C., it became a Roman colony called Florentia. The modern-day name for Florence came from Florinus, one of its early rulers.
Florence is big! 877.36 sq miles big to be exact. That’s bigger than San Francisco and even slightly larger than Abu Dhabi, a city that makes Florence look like a small town in comparison. Put another way, Florence is only slightly smaller than South Carolina, yet it packs in over 320k people! If you’re planning on visiting or living in Florence and want to know what all there is to do, take a look at our post outlining Florence Italy Travel. It’s got great tips on where to eat and what sites you should see! We even have an overview of some of the unique food items you can only find here in Florence.
5) What are some top attractions to see in Florence?
1. Duomo 2. Ponte Vecchio 3. Bargello Museum 4. Academy Gallery 5. Galleria dell'Accademia 6. David 7. Piazzale Michelangelo 8. Cappelle Medicee 9. Pitti Palace 10, Palazzo Vecchio 11, Basilica di Santa Croce 12, Basilica di San Lorenzo 13, Santo Spirito 14, Palazzo Strozzi 15, Basilica di Santa Maria Novella 16.
6) Are there any local customs to know about when visiting Florence?
There are plenty of local customs to know when visiting Florence, many of which revolve around its food. For instance, if you’re eating out in Florence and want to try multiple courses, ask for un assaggio di ... or a sample of ... followed by whatever you like (the word assaggio means taste). Also, some restaurants will not serve food on certain days — just make sure to call ahead if there is anything that you need clarification on. The majority of shops close during lunchtime (1:00-3:00pm), so make sure to do your shopping before then.
Florence is a beautiful city and can be visited any time of year. Due to its central location, many different places can be reached easily by train. Here are some recommended hotels for Florence Italy: Holiday Inn Express Florence City Centre, Hotel Piccolo Firenze, Grand Hotel Tuscany, Sesto Fiorentino, and Le Meridien Firenze. The price range per night at these hotels ranges from $80-$300.
8) Where can I find more information on planning my trip to Florence?
The official tourism site for Florence has information on planning your trip and getting around. They also have maps that can help you navigate once you're there. It's a good idea to do a bit of research ahead of time; that way, when you're in Florence, you can get around with less hassle and enjoy more of what it has to offer. If you aren't sure where to start, check out these places.
