Why was Florence at the heart of the Italian Renaissance?

Because Italian Renaissance started from Florence.

The term Italian Renaissance was first used by Giorgio Vasari during 1550 but in the 19th century it was spread after being used by the historian John Burckhard.

By this term it was defined the renaissance of letters and of arts under the influence of the classical art.

During the 15th century Medici a Florence family that had economical strength (derriving from their commercial activities ) showed a special interest for arts and litterature and they financed significant art creations and gatherings for the benefit of their city. The result was that the city of Florence became a cultural center for seminars, meetings, discussions about art and classical texts and the city of Florence was decorated with the major art creations of all centuries.

Prior to this period art creators were panting on behalf of kings and for religional purposes. In Florence first, (after classical years) art became familiar to the maggiority of people independently of provenience or financial status.

After Florence's example other cities such as Venice followed their example and all this cultural atmosphere has influenced social life. That is why Florence was considered as the heart of the Italian Renaissance.

the Italian renaissance changed Europe that is a huge question first Italy was the trading point in Europe people were up to their necks in debt to the Italians even the most power full monarchs in Europe were in the red. after the Italians helped in the destruction of the byzantine empire the got every little bit of the trade. so when the Italians got in to their renaissance and every one was trying to do the Italian thing so it spread extremely quickly.

To Florence or in Tuscany they are been born: Dante Alighieri, Francsco Petrarca, Giovanni Boccaccio, Leonardo From Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Niccolò Machiavelli, Francesco Guicciardini, Lorenzo the Magnificent one….

Florence, being the wealthiest city during this period, was the heart because of not just wealth but the lifestyle within the city. Rich people young and old would buy these crazy goods, and being well known faces, spread quickly.

A city with money, a city with power.

Perhaps it was their turn since they were the barbarians during the Roman empire.

simply because it was the richest