Assassin's Creed II first sets Ezio Auditore's story in Florence.
The game opens in Florence in 1476, where Ezio is introduced as a young member of the Auditore family. The city’s Renaissance setting establishes the game’s Italian historical world and connects Ezio’s personal story to powerful families, artists, merchants, and political leaders.
Florence is only one of several major locations. Ezio later travels to Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Forlì, Venice, and the Vatican City. Venice is especially prominent in the middle portion of the adventure, which is why players sometimes remember it as the game’s main setting.
The real Florence of the period was a major center of banking, commerce, art, and political influence. Assassin’s Creed II fictionalizes many events and characters, while incorporating historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Lorenzo de’ Medici. The game was released in 2009 and became the second major console entry in the series.