A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its magnificent art and architecture. The city has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages.

Florence's relationship with gays and lesbians is, and always has been, a bit special, not only with those who live here but also with those who are just visiting. The City of the Lily, famous as a centre for the arts, culture and social life, and characterized by its liberality and tolerance, in fact would seem to be a perfect match for the needs of same-sex oriented people.

And, aside from problems that may be found in any modern big city or result during periods of excessive tourism, the birthplace of the Renaissance can still offer the proper setting for an enjoyable and stimulating sojourn for gays and lesbians. The capital of Tuscany is not just its thousand artistic masterpieces or the rolling hills of its surrounding countryside; it is also its accepting populace and its charming ambience, with lively cultural happenings and musical events, major exhibitions of art, antiques, crafts, fashion and ecology, excellent cuisine and shopping.

The gay and lesbian community comprises several thousand people and various social and political organizations which are traditionally open to the many visitors who choose to vacation, study or work here, and who may even find themselves at the centre of the local gay and lesbian scene! Yearly gay film festivals and monthly large alternative gay, or bear parties are regularly hold in town.