Arts and Literature
Leonardo da Vinci
During the 14th-16th centuries, Florence achieved superiority in learning and the arts. In fact some of the world's greatest artists came from Florence, including Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Also hailing from Florence is Dante, a famous poet. Florence has many offerings of festivals of music, opera, and the arts. Italy was also the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence is known for its many world renowned museums.
Language
The Italian language was once the Florentine Vernacular (The Florentine Language), most children speak English though. Older generations also speak French or German. The official language of Italy is Italian. Italian is often referred to as the language of romance, as opposed to French which is the language of love.
Economy
Lorenzo Meddci
Though it may seem that the arts are the biggest part of Florence, the top five most popular jobs in Florence are...
1. Tour Guide
2. Agriculture
3. Manufacturing furniture, rubber goods, chemicals, and food
4. Goldsmiths, silversmiths, and jewelers
5. Small businesses
The Florin, a world monetary standard, was once a local coin in Florence.
Industry also plays a part in Florence. In fact one of Florence’s major employers, Nuovo Pignone , currently works for the american company, General Electric. He is now part of a huge industrial district.
Banking was one of the most popular occupations in Florence. One of the most Medici Family were rulers of Italy in the past, they are now one of Florence's most successful family of bankers. Out of them Lorenzo Medici was the most successful.
The top 5 most important founders of Florence...
1. Tour Guide
2. Agriculture
3. Manufacturing furniture, rubber goods, chemicals, and food
4. Goldsmiths, silversmiths, and jewelers
5. Small businesses
The Florin, a world monetary standard, was once a local coin in Florence.
Industry also plays a part in Florence. In fact one of Florence’s major employers, Nuovo Pignone , currently works for the american company, General Electric. He is now part of a huge industrial district.
Banking was one of the most popular occupations in Florence. One of the most Medici Family were rulers of Italy in the past, they are now one of Florence's most successful family of bankers. Out of them Lorenzo Medici was the most successful.
The top 5 most important founders of Florence...
- The Medici Family, the bankers/rulers
- Leonardo da Vinci, an artist
- Michelangelo, an artist
- Dante, a poet
- Machiavelli, wrote "The Prince"
Social Organizations
Italians do focus on the arts, but Family is more important than anything. They make sure to keep their family bond strong. They choose to help each other whenever possible. Also tying into family bonds, younger siblings are almost always economically dependent on their parents. Onto another subject, Social status. Almost all Florentines own homes (thanks to their parents), but some people who aren’t as fortunate own apartments. Since most Italians have homes, they have to have jobs. Since Florentines either have a home or an apartment, there are only two social classes. One fact is that Italians date in groups or as couples.
Customs and Tradition |
Florentines have to live their lifestyles a certain way, if you were a Florentine, here are your guidelines... Clothing: Florentines take pride in how they look so they try to always dress up for every occasion Greetings: They greet each other by shaking hands (Like we in the US do). Gestures: Hand gestures are common in every conversation for inhabitants of Florence. Holidays: Some of Florence’s holidays are... –All Saints Day Nov. 1 –St. Stephens Day Dec. 26 Dining: Placing your hands in your lap is improper One doesn’t leave the table until the rest are finished |
Government Systems
The Palazzo Vecchio, the Town Hall of Florence
Italy is divided into 20 regions (Tuscany being one of them). Tuscany is a Democratic Republic. Florence is a city within Tuscany. Florence itself is being ruled by it’s town hall. Florence's town hall is call The Palazzo Vecchio. Tuscany has a legislative and executive branch
–Italy’s voting age is 18 (Like the U.S)
–Italy’s voting age is 18 (Like the U.S)