 Florence transports you back to the coruscating
artistic brilliance of medieval Italy that engendered the
Renaissance. Its ethereal art delights as much as the sunset over
the Arno or the Florentine food and wine. The russet rooftops and
soaring domes only heighten the enchantment. While the earthy and
open hearted people add the human touch to this city of industry
and craft, commerce and culture, art and science.
Ideally, travel to Florence during April -June or September/October
is ideal. Florence can be reached easily from all major European
cities. Once there, board a bus - most of the medieval pleasures
are clustered together - and you will reach the greatest
Renaissance wonderland of monuments and churches in destination
Italy.
Duomo
The Duomo stands out even amongst artistic Florentine skyline. Yet,
Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome is just a precursor to the
countless artistic wonders inside. Prepare to be astonished by the
neat liveliness that transfuses through its pink, white and green
marble façade. The dome itself, though in a state of
disrepair, is an amazing achievement of design. It tops the world's
fourth-largest cathedral that took almost 150 years to complete.
Piazza della Signoria
The erstwhile Florentine "Hyde Park "of the middle ages, it still
attracts tourists by the droves. Don't miss the replicas of famous
sculptures and historical buildings in the bustle. Benvenuto
Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, is the finest
original work on the piazza. You can sip coffee, take pictures of
the famous scenes, pose in front of Ammannati's Mannerist Fountain
of Neptune... the possibilities are endless. Its one travel
destination in Italy that gives you invaluable political
lessons.Piazza San Lorenzo
Harking back to the days of Medici domination, the Basilica
showcases the power, and their munificent patronage of artistic
expressions. Marvel at Donatello's bronze pulpits. Another
attraction, albeit literary, is the Laurenziana Library, that
stacks the family's enormous collection of books - reached through
a subtle Michelangelo. The Medici Chapels are studded with precious
marble and semiprecious stones as well as Michelangelo's New
Sacristy that contains his Night and Day, Dawn and Dusk sculptures.
Pitti Palace
Grandness reaches epic heights in this palace that opulently
displays masterpieces by Raphael, Filippo Lippi, Tintoretto,
Veronese and Rubens. A gallery of modern art and a costume
collection also wait to be explored at the palace. Don't miss, too,
the Strozzi Palace, and the Rucellai Palace - housing a
photographic museum and the Boboli Gardens. Santa Croce
The cultural shock and amazement you experience after visiting the
Church of Santa Croce has even got a medical name: the Stendhal's
Disease. If the geometric, colored marble that decorate the
building's facade mesmerize, then wait till you get inside. Tombs
of the famous sons of Italy including those of Michelangelo,
Machiavelli, Galileo and Bardi line the walls. Masterpieces by
Giotto and della Robbia, line the walls of the chapels while
Brunelleschi's peaceful cloisters provide ample spaces for gentle
repose. You also find incredible pieces of religious architecture
and sculpture at Orsanmichele; Santa Trinità; All Saints',
Santa Maria Novella et al. The entire experience adds a somber note
to your rich medieval experience.Bargello
Museum
Get a close up on the most comprehensive range of medieval and
Renaissance sculptures in Italy. Marvel at Michelangelo's drunken
Bacchus, stare in amazement at Donatello's David, admire
Giambologna's Mercury.. the list goes on. Walk across to Mary
Magdalene's chapel decorated by frescoes from Giotto's
workshop.
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