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The outstanding cultural and artistic heritage of the Renaissance can still be seen today in many of the great cities of the period, including Florence and Venice in Italy, Bruges in Belgium and Toledo in Spain.
The powerful states of Italy encouraged the Renaissance. The population of Italy was becoming more urban. That is, more people were living in cities than in the country. In other parts of Europe, most people still lived in rural areas, including the nobles who owned estates. As a result of its city life, Italy began to develop a different society. Large city populations meant more discussion among people. Strong economies developed. It also meant more customers for artists and more money for a new kind of art. The Renaissance began in Italy because city life was stronger than in other parts of Europe.