When it comes to history, Italy is a country that has, at times, quite literally written the history books. This was the center of the ancient world, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and it always seems to be at the forefront of European events. It’s no surprise then that both Rome and Florence are brimming with history and historic places to see.
Let’s start with Rome. This was the capital of the mighty Roman Empire, a city that grew from humble roots to dominate the entire Mediterranean and much of Western Europe. For centuries, Rome was the largest and richest city in the world, and even today you can see the splendor and grand architecture and engineering that was borne from the era. You can gaze at the Colosseum, where gladiatorial combat took place in front of Emperors and cheering crowds. You can walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, the ancient center of the city, and you can visit the fabled Seven Hills that the Roman capital was founded upon, along with the ruins and archaeological remains of palaces and bathhouses.
If all that Roman history isn’t quite enough for you, then don’t worry, because the history of Rome didn’t end with the fall of the Empire. While the city never achieved the same glory as its past, you can still see its importance in the churches and castles dating from the medieval era. You can even visit the Vatican, an independent nation in the heart of Rome that’s the center of Catholicism and home to Popes for hundreds of years.
Florence is just as historic, although during the age of the Roman Empire, it paled in comparison to Rome. While the origins of the city can be traced back to the ancient world and it’s been occupied for thousands of years by various groups of Italian people, the most important history of Florence begins with the Renaissance era.
That’s because Florence is considered as the birthplace of the Renaissance. While Rome crumbled, Florence grew into one of the most powerful and richest trading cities in Europe, a place that could rival any of the Italian city states such as Venice or Genoa, and a place that could finance the wars, conflicts, and art and culture that grew during the Renaissance years.
Florence is gloriously historic and the city still looks remarkably medieval and Renaissance in outlook. There are winding streets and elegant palaces. You can learn about the notorious exploits of the Medici family, Florence’s most powerful Renaissance rulers, and you can spend days visiting the museums and historical sights around the city. If Florence isn’t enough for you, there’s just as much history in the nearby area, because Florence is the capital of Tuscany, where you can find incredible medieval towns and cities like Siena and San Gimignano.
It’s a difficult choice between the two, but if it’s ancient history and in particular Roman history you’re interested in, then you can’t beat Rome. On the other hand, if you’re looking to learn more about medieval and Renaissance Italian history, then you should book your next flight to Florence.
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