The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was the epicenter for political thought, art and culture throughout the Middle Ages. Thanks to the city’s wealth, power and the patronage of its influential families, Florence was home to some of the most recognizable thinkers and artists of the day including Machiavelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci. Although the political power that once resided there is no more, Florence's influence on the world of art, fashion, food and culture continues