Firenze is a major city located in central Italy, and the capital of the region of Tuscany. Considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, it was the center of medieval European finance and trade and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. During the late 15th century, it was ruled by the powerful Medici family and was comprised of four districts: Santa Maria Novella, San Marco, Oltrarno, and San Giovanni. (x)