“What is known as standard Italian today dates back to when the great Italian novelist Alessandro Manzoni (1785-1873) gave Italy a national language by resolving that it should basically be Tuscan Italian with a heavy contribution from the Italian used in the other regions of Italy.
The language spoken and written in Tuscany had taken precedence over the regional forms from the twelfth century to Manzoni's times because of the political, artistic and social prominence of Florence.”---From “Bertlitz Italian in 30 Days”
The language spoken and written in Tuscany had taken precedence over the regional forms from the twelfth century to Manzoni's times because of the political, artistic and social prominence of Florence.”---From “Bertlitz Italian in 30 Days”
Strolling among the gorgeous architecture past dramatic statues and into ancient buildings, the historic prominence of Florence is obvious.She is a beautiful city that is still vibrant today, having survived bumps in the road of history like the “Bonfire of the Vanities” on February 7, 1497, when items that might “tempt sin” like cosmetics, mirrors, pictures and “immoral” books were burned.
We walked on the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge lined with jewelry stores and enjoyed lunch at a greenhouse-covered sidewalk cafe, but the highlight of Florence for us was climbing the Duomo, the centrally-located cathedral.
The interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, as it is also known, inspires awe. It was built primarily between 1296 and 1436.
For six Euros each, you can buy a ticket to climb 436 steps through dark, dank turrets and nooks to the top, which we did. 
It proved to be an exhausting climb, but we were committed to reach the top. We were rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.
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