Florence lies in a sort of basin among the Senese Clavey Hills, particularly the hills of Careggi, Fiesole, Settignano, Arcetri, Poggio Imperiale and Bellosguardo (Florence). The Arno river and three other minor rivers flow through it.

The traditional subdivision of Florence into four quarters dates from the 14th century (that today compose the old town):

• Santa Maria Novella
• San Giovanni
• Santa Croce
• Santo Spirito