After the fall of Rome and the Dark Ages, the Renaissance sprouted in Florence under the patronage of wealthy merchant and banking families like the Medici. This exciting rebirth of Greek and Roman culture flourished here and then swept across Europe. Beautiful and elegant architecture, painting and sculpture all expressed the confidence of this new age. At www.ricksteves.com, you'll find money-saving travel tips, small-group tours, guidebooks, TV shows, radio programs, podcasts, and more on this destination.