Running along the River Arno and surrounded by sloping Tuscan hills lies the city of Florence. Florence (or Firenze in Italian), can be quite overwhelming to the new visitor with its vast history, art, and captivating beauty. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance as well as the home to Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Medici. Centering the city is the huge ribbed dome of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (ll Duomo). This was built as a result of the city's efforts to outdo its rivals of Pisa and Siena and was finally completed in 1461 (140 years after construction started!).