Surrounded by soft, rolling Tuscan hills, Florence has a history that stretches back almost 3,000 years. First founded by the Etruscans between the 6th and 7th centuries BC, it became a Roman settlement by 59 BC. The city flourished through the Roman, Byzantine, Medieval and Renaissance periods, later emerging as an independent city-state in 1425 before finally becoming part of the unified Italian state under Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Florence rose to pre-eminence in commerce, finance, learning and, above all, the arts. In many ways, it can be seen as the birthplace of the modern world. Its cultural legacy still makes Florence one of the most sophisticated cities in Europe.

The list of artists who were born here, lived here, or were inspired by the city is extraordinary: Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, Giorgio Vasari, to name only a few.

But one of the most notable buildings in the city would not exist in its present form were it not for an architect and engineer called Filippo Brunelleschi.

Brunelleschi was one of the pioneers of early Renaissance architecture in Italy. And his major work is the dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) in Florence, constructed with the aid of machines that Brunelleschi invented expressly for the project. The construction took 16 years to complete.

Il Duomo dominates the city. One can make your way to the top of the dome, but the only way to do this, and enjoy the extraordinary view of Florence it offers is to climb its 463 steps (there is no lift). The route takes you by the interior of the dome, where you can admire Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment (1572-9) up close.

But Florence offers so much more to the visitor than just Il Duomo: Florence boasts an unrivalled collection of art and Renaissance architecture. It’s home to famous works of art such as Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, and the Uffizi Gallery, which houses the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, and others

The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and many other historic sites.

Florence and the Tuscany region are famous too, for their food and wine. You can enjoy local wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and taste traditional Tuscan cuisine.

According to the "rules", a Fiorentina steak should be from the Chianina cow (a breed which comes from the Valdichiana region in Tuscany), but since it's pretty expensive and Chianina cows are not numerous, there are many places where you can have a steak at a slightly lower price.

The English often tend to have mustard with their steaks, but you will be frowned upon if you ask for it. In Firenze, the most you will have with your 2cm thick Florentine steak is fresh lemon juice.

Florence is also renowned for its leather goods, jewellery, fashion, and handmade paper products; it is a shopper's paradise with many high-end boutiques and local markets.

The city holds many cultural and religious events throughout the year, including the historical football event – 'Calcio Storico.'

Calcio Storico is not a sport for the faint-hearted. This is Florence at its most visceral — a brutal, beautiful spectacle that predates modern football by centuries and makes rugby look like a gentle afternoon pursuit. Each June, Piazza Santa Croce transforms into a sand-covered arena where four historic neighbourhoods settle old scores with a combination of wrestling, martial arts, and something resembling football, though the resemblance is largely coincidental.

If you’re in Florence in the first week of September, then you're in for a treat. The 'Festa della Rificolona' is a truly charming experience steeped in religious and cultural tradition.

Otherwise known as the paper lantern festival, it is one of the best Italian festivals and is specific to Florence. This festival celebrates the birthday of La Madonna, or the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.

In Florence, the Basilica Santissima Annunziata is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. And, for centuries, peasants and farmers would travel on pilgrimage from the surrounding areas to participate in religious celebrations.

It also provided an opportunity for those in attendance to trade their goods. Many of the farmers who travelled the distance brought with them cheeses, cured meats, honey and other products, as the day after the festival, the square in front of the basilica transformed into a giant market. This tradition remains to this day.

But what about the paper lanterns?

Well, the farmers who travelled to Florence from the surrounding areas had to get up before dawn to get to Florence on time. In the days before cars, electricity or even torches, they needed something to guide them through the dark. So, they turned to lanterns. This was also a time before oil wicks, and as such, the candles in these lanterns were susceptible to being extinguished by a strong gust of wind.

In order to get around having to keep relighting their guiding lights, the farmers placed paper covers over the flames, protecting it from the elements. And so was born this wonderful Florence festival.

But should you make your way to Florence any other time, there is still plenty to see and experience, so be sure to include the following in your sightseeing:

1. Palazzo Vecchio - This beautiful palace was once the political centre of the city and is now a museum that exhibits artwork from the Renaissance period.

2. Ponte Vecchio - This bridge is an iconic symbol of Florence. It is known for its spectacular views of the Arno River and is lined with shops selling jewellery and souvenirs.

3. Piazza della Signoria - This square is the heart of the city and is home to famous statues like Michelangelo’s David and the Fountain of Neptune.

4. Pitti Palace - This palace was once the residence of the Medici family and is now a museum containing art and artefacts from the Renaissance.

5. Boboli Gardens - These beautiful gardens offer stunning views of the city and are home to a variety of sculptures and fountains.

If you want to know more about Florence, what it offers and how to get there, give me a call at 01234 581066 or e-mail me at marco.williams@travelcounsellors.com