Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence.
The city lies on the River Arno and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. Florence is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family. Florence is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city has a major European impact in music, architecture, education, cuisine, fashion, philosophy, science and religion. The historic centre of Florence contains numerous elegant piazzas, Renaissance palazzi, academies, parks, gardens, churches, monasteries, museums, art galleries and ateliers. The famous most landmarks are the Duomo, the Campanile, the Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio.