Florence

Florence is the capital city of Region of Tuscany and the province of Florence in Italy. The city lies on the banks of the River Arno and dates back to the Renaissance era. Florence attracts hordes of tourists each year, numbering in millions and depends mainly on the income thus generated for maintaining its status as a World Heritage city. The city is full of religious architecture, palaces, museums, piazzas (squares) and galleries.

Shopping is good and the big brands are here Gucci, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, and Chanel. Florence's main upscale shopping street is Via de' Tornabuoni, where major luxury fashion houses and jewellery labels, such as Armani, Ferragamo and Bulgari, have their elegant boutiques. There are also some shopping centres, from the high-end jewelry stores lining the Ponte Vecchio to some of the most famous brands in the world - Gucci, Pucci, Ferragamo, Valentino, Prada, Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Buccellati, Frette, etc.

Traditional and local products, such as antiques, handicrafts, souvenirs, elaborate metal and iron-work, shoes, accessories and high fashion clothes also contribute considerably to Florence's economy.

Wine is considered central to the economy. Florence is a leading wine-growing region in the world. The Chianti region is just south of the city, and its Sangiovese grapes lend their aroma to the Chianti Classico and some of the more recently developed Supertuscan blends.