Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. This historic city in Italy flourished during the 14th to the 17th centuries, marking a pivotal period in art, culture, and intellectual thought. Florence was home to influential figures such as Dante, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, whose works laid the foundation for modern Western art. The city’s wealth from trade and banking, particularly under the Medici family, fostered an environment that encouraged creativity and innovation. Architectural marvels like the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery are testaments to this rich cultural heritage, making Florence a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination today.