The Province of Florence is a province in the Tuscany region of Italy, with an area of 3,514 sq. km and a population of 933,860 in 44
communes.
Much of the province lies in the plain of the Arno River and has become an exurban sprawl around the city of Florence. The northeastern part of the province, in the Apennines, has escaped this fate and remains unspoiled.

The city of Florence is the capital both of the Province and the Region of Tuscany; particular places of beauty or interest in the province include Barberino Val D'Elsa , Greve in Chianti and Fiesole.

For many centuries the hills surrounding Florence have been the location of the residences and county villas of the citizens of Florence during the hot summer months. As a result the surrounding area is full of parks, gardens, vineyards, elegant homes and farm houses hence it is not difficult to find something pleasing to the eye. A nice place to go only a few kilometers from the city centre is Fiesole on the top of a hill which dominates the Arno Valley.

Beyond Fiesole you can adventure into the Mugello area amongst olive trees and vineyards to discover the park of the Villa Medici-Demidoff (the villa itself was destroyed). From here you can go as far as Scarperia, a town famous over the centuries for the production of knives as well as the interior of Palazzo dei Vicari with its lacy tower and facade decorated with crests. Situated in the middle of the Mugello near Scarperia is the race track for those who enjoy motor and motorcycle racing.
To the South of the city you can find the Certosa del Galluzzo founded in 1300 by the Florentine Niccolo Acciaioli as a place of prayer
for the Carthusian order who were succeeded in 1958 by the Benedictine Carthusians. Rich in works of art, the church dedicated to Saint Lawrence looks out over a large square and has a beautiful Baroque facade. The chapel contains the tombs of the Acciaioli family. The sense of peace and concentration is indescribable and continues to permeate this place which, with its simplicity of life style, seems so far from the rest of the world.

Carrying on in this direction we come to the Florentine side of the Chianti Region, on the border with Siena which share its name.
Chianti is by now term which is imbedded in the vocabulary of all well informed foreigners. Chianti is a name which is universally known not only for the wine produced in this area but also because it is a synonym for a peaceful place in Tuscany to go to relax where all foreigners dream of going on holiday.
This region provides the classic image of Tuscany, with vineyards, hills, lines of cypress trees and farmhouses as well as the excellent wine which has made Tuscany famous worldwide.
There are small towns to visit, all delightful, surrounded by castles, churches and palaces in Greve in Chianti, Panzano, San Casciano Val di Pesa and Tavernelle Val di Pesa.