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Why was Florence a good place to trade?

Based on Florence's landlocked location in the center of Italy, one might assume it would not have been a productive location for trade. Even though Florence was not located along a major trade route, it provided those who sought to sell, buy, and trade goods with something that was even more valuable than a convenient trade route — a financial hub home to more than 80 banks.


The main reason why Florence was able to become such a popular destination for business and banks might be because people could exchange their money in Florence for gold florins. Florins were one of the most trusted pieces of currency in the 13th and 14th century. Merchants could use florins at virtually any location throughout Europe.

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