Florence (Firenze) is the capital of the Tuscany Region. It was the cradle of the Renaissance, when the ruling Medici family were the benefactors of arts and innovations.
After the Medici dynasty died out in 1737, Francis I, the husband of Maria Theresa of Austria, was given the title of Grand Duke of Tuscany in exchange for Lorraine, putting Florence under Austrian rule until its capture by Victor Emmanuel II in 1859. Between 1865 and 1870, Florence was the temporary capital of the newly unified nation of Italy.

The major sights are:
(1) The 15th century Florence Cathedral with a 19th century Neo-Gothic façade and its famous bronze doors of the Baptistery.
(2) The Piazza della Signoria with the adjacent Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and outdoor sculptures.
(3) The Ponte Vecchio bridge over River Arno
In addition, we visited the Accademia Gallery to see the original David by Michelangelo. Photography is not allowed inside. I only have photos of the copy on Piazza della Signoria.