The city is surrounded by a circle of sandstone hills. Beyond the circle to the northeast rise foothill spurs of the Apennine mountain range. The land near the city is well farmed. On the hillsides are groves planted with alternate rows of olive trees and grape vines or mulberry trees. Pines and cypress add to the beauty of the hillsides.
Beautiful blooms cover the countryside and the town gardens through spring, summer, and fall.
The city is a busy industrial center. Automobile chassis, farm machinery, refrigerators, and motorcycles are manufactured there. Soap is an important product. The city thrives on the tourist trade, based on its cultural heritage, and the work of its outstanding craftsmen. There are more than 5,000 workshops in Florence.