10. Fall in Love with Florence, Tuscany : Art and History Await

Remember to follow us on Social Media! Grazie Mille! Instagram Facebook  Kimberly and Tommaso kick off a two-part series about Florence (Firenze) Tuscany, sharing historical insights and personal experiences. They highlight iconic art and architecture and also discuss the city’s cultural pride. Key Points: Firenze is best explored off-season to avoid crowds. The Renaissance took shape in Italy in the 14th century. Cosimo Medici transformed Firenze into an economic hub, encouraging the flourishing of art and science. The Renaissance and Art: Donatello’s bronze David changed the trajectory of Renaissance art. Michelangelo’s David was presented at Palazzo Vecchio in 1504. The Florentines take great pride in their city’s cultural significance and history. First Impressions of Firenze: The Duomo is usually visible above the city’s uniformly-heighted buildings. The graphic ornateness of the Duomo is made up of white marble, green stone, and red limestone. The three colors of the Duomo mirror the colors of the Italian flag. Architectural Significance of the Duomo: The Duomo is the most significant architectural achievement of the Renaissance. Filippo Brunelleschi was a central figure in its construction, who brought perspective into drawing and building. Brunelleschi never left any drawings of the dome, but Leonardo da Vinci studied the dome and made drawings of how it was built. Exploring Firenze: The original Gates of Paradise doors are in the Museo. Michelangelo’s House, Casa Buonarroti, is now a museum displaying his works. Piazza Santa Croce is a rectangular piazza with restaurants and the Santa Croce church. Santa Croce Church: Santa Croce contains the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Gino Bartali, a 20th-century Florentine cyclist, aided Jews during World War II. A Perfect Day in Firenze: Our friends Lolita and Frank’s perfect day includes visiting Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo. Zeki, an art store since 1348, offers materials used by Renaissance painters. Osteria delle Nono and Trattoria Antico Fattore are favorite dining spots.