Florence is a world famous art capital, European cultural center, birthplace of European Renaissance Movement, birthplace of opera, and world-famous cultural tourism resort. It belongs to the Tuscany District of Italy, the former capital of Italy and the cultural center of Italy. Florence is a transportation hub connecting the railway and highway networks of northern and southern Italy. The Arno River runs through the city, and there are seven bridges on both sides. Population 444,000 (1982). The city still maintained the pattern of the Roman period. More medieval architectural art. There are more than 40 museums and galleries in the city. The Ufizi and Pitty Galleries are world-famous. The world's first Academy of Fine Arts and the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, the world's highest Academy of fine arts, are well known in the world. The essence of Italian painting is gathered here. Cultural centers include universities, art, literature, scientific research institutes and libraries.