In the 1st century BC, Florence was settled by the Romans, under Caesar, for military purposes, later being designated the provincial capital. During the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, the city developed and grew in size through its trading activities.

It eventually came under the control of the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines and then the Lombards, but never surpassed its successes of the Roman period until centuries later.

Cosimo de’ Medici, a wealthy banker and arts patron, came to prominence in Florence in the 15th century. His family became the political power base in the city and during the two centuries of their dominance, they amassed a vast collection of works of art.

Florence, at that time, attracted prominent artists from around the country, including Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael, as well as a number of prominent poets and composers. A school for the study of music was established and ‘Peri's Dafne’, one of the first operas composed in Florence, was performed here.

Although much of Italy suffered severe damage from the allied bombing raids of WWII, fortunately for the art world, much of Florence’s treasures were unscathed. Later, in 1966 serious flooding caused extensive damage in the city, including to some works of art.

Much of the art has since been restored, and as transportation options to Florence have improved, the city has played host to increasing numbers of visitors each year, who are anxious to see the great works of art first-hand.