Much of its territory lies in the plain of the Arno river and has thus become an exurban sprawl around the city of Florence. The northeastern part of the metropolitan city, in the Apennines, remains less developed. Romagna Granducale is the name given to the region lying on the northern slopes of Apennines. Corn, wine and silk are the chief products in the valley regions. Silk manufacturing was an important industry in the medieval times.[4] Renaissance polymathLeonardo da Vinci was born in the village of Anchiano, which is a part of the Metropolitan City of Florence.[5] The capital Florence is a well known cultural and a large tourist centre.[6]
Main sights
The Metropolitan City receives large number of tourists every year.
Wholesale and retail is the largest sector in the Metropolitan City: As of 2008[update], almost 29% of the firms in the former Province of Florence were involved in it. Manufacturing, construction, real estate and agriculture are the next important ones with a percentage share of about 19.5%, 14%, 13.6% and 8% respectively.[8]
Tourism is also an important industry. Empoli is known for its ancient glass-making industry.[9]