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Situated
on the banks and by the outlet of the river Arno, it had been one
important Republic of the Sea and spreaded its power out to Corsica isle.
Its decadence has been determined by both the rivalry with other cities
belonging to the inland (Lucca and
Florence) and, most of all, by the
clash with Genova, another Republic of the Sea and a "dangerous"
rival in oriental trading.
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Its artistic estate is mostly in
Miracles' Square where you can admire the Cathedral, the baptistery
and especially the bell tower, known all over the world as the
"Leaning Tower".
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Another important monument is the Church
St. Maria della Spina, recently
restored, on the Arno's riverside. Seat of an ancient and esteemed
University, it also has an airport connected with the most important
cities in the world.
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Its
province comprehends 39 towns and stretches from the hills Mellifere to
the Arno's estuary in whose alluvial valley are centred many important
economic activities.
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The Coast