Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that was built by trade and entrepreneurs.

Founded as a Roman colony in 59 B.C., the original name Fiorenza is tied to the Latin word flor, or flower, conjuring up images of green valleys and a flourishing settlement.

Fittingly, the city’s symbol is the iris, a particular strain that once grew in the valley of the Arno River, the growing centre’s economic lifeline.

Starting in the 1800’s, the iris became one of the defining characteristics of the city along with its Lungarni (streets that run along the river banks), bridges and flourishing textile industry.