Florence is fist of all thought of as a city of the Renaissance. There are in fact a large number of buildings from this period, but there are also many buildings from the Middle Ages and, mainly outside the city gates, many XIX century constructions. The style is, however, remarkably uniform.

Part of this perception is caused by the very idea of Florence as a city of the Renaissance. It is perceived that monuments from other periods are of minor importance and many of the buildings which were characteristic of Florence in times gone by have been demolished. Examples of this is the Mediaeval Mercato Vecchio, the refurbishing of Ponte Rubiconte, the demolition of part of the city walls and the enlargement of some of the streets and lungarni, with monuments salvaged from these placed sometimes in incongruous locations. One example is the Loggia del Pesce, which looks useless and absurd in its present location in Piazza dei Ciompi. In only acquires relevance if one realises it was formerly part of the Mercato Vecchio.

The history and architecture of Florence can be studied by examining the ancient walls as well as studying archaeological remains within these. Though it is true there are no visible remains of the old Roman town, its design is clearly visible on any city map and, on foot, the visitor will soon become aware he has entered its territory, as the roads there tend to be straight, parallel and perpendicular to each other as well as being narrow and dark.

In the following chapters I shall be examining briefly the architecture of Florence during each period of its history:

Roman Florence
Early Mediaeval Florence
Late Mediaeval Florence
Florence in the Renaissance
Modern and contemporary Florence