Florence is a city steeped in history, art, and culture, located in the heart of Italy's Tuscany region. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is a living museum, home to some of the most significant treasures of the art world. The cityscape is characterized by medieval streets, expansive piazzas, and striking architecture, including the iconic Duomo, with its red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge. Florence is a compact city, where every corner turned reveals a new piece of history, from the Uffizi Gallery, housing masterpieces by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, to the Palazzo Vecchio, which stands as a symbol of civic power. The city's rich artistic heritage is matched by its culinary reputation, with Tuscan cuisine celebrated for its simplicity and use of high-quality, local ingredients. Florence is also a hub for fashion, leather goods, and craftsmanship, attracting shoppers and connoisseurs from around the world. Despite its popularity among tourists, Florence maintains an air of authenticity, with locals going about their daily lives against the backdrop of extraordinary beauty. The surrounding hills of Tuscany offer a respite from the city's bustle and provide stunning views of the Florence skyline, especially at sunset.