Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance and the birthplace of major art and philosophy. This Italian city, during the 14th to 17th centuries, became a cultural hub, fostering advancements in art, science, and humanism. Prominent figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo lived and worked there, producing iconic works that shaped Western culture. The city's wealth, bolstered by banking families like the Medici, supported artists and intellectuals, establishing Florence as a center for creative expression and innovation. Its architectural marvels and art remain influential to this day.