Grand Duchy of Tuscany

The Grand Duchy of Tuscany was a European state centered in Italy, existing from 1569 to 1860. It was ruled by the House of Medici and later the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty. The duchy was known for its cultural and artistic achievements during the Renaissance, with Florence as its capital. Politically, it was a semi-autonomous territory within the Holy Roman Empire and later part of Italy, gradually integrating into the unified Italian state. Its governance combined local aristocratic leadership with influence from larger European powers, playing a significant role in Italy’s history and cultural development.