Guide Florence
Florence, Italy - Cradle of the Renaissance
Thanks to www.italyguides.it for this wonderful video!
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, gave birth to the highest artistic expression through painting, sculpting and poetry from the 14th to the 16th century. The Old masters who were vehicles for this re-birth were Giotto, Masaccio, Piero della Francesa, Ghirlandaio, Perugino, Michelangelo, Rafaello, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. 
What To See
The beauty of the Arno River makes Florence a dreamy city filled with inspiring works of art. One of the main points of interests is Piazza Signoria where the Loggia dei Lanzi has incredibly beautiful sculptures of Benvenuto Cellini’s “Perseo”, and Giambologna’s “Rape of the Sabine women”. Palazzo Vecchio is the government building in this piazza. Its tall, majestic look adds such beauty to this famous piazza.
The main cathedral of Florence is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore which was engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436. The fresco of this duomo was created by Vasari. You can climb up the steps to see this fresco closer and climb even further to the top of the cupola. The Baptistery has an amazing mosaic ceiling and the famous golden doors designed by Andrea Pisano and Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Other points of interests are Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Piazza della Repubblica, Chiesa di San Marco, and Piazzale Michelangelo. The view from Piazzale Michelangelo is a breath-taking one of the entire center of Florence and the Arno River. A night view is especially magnificent.
Museums and Famous Artworks
Important museums in Florence are the Uffizi Gallery, and Palazzo Pitti, and Galleria dell Accademia.
Most famous artworks to be seen are: Michelangelo’s sculpture of “David” at the Galleria dell Accademia; Botticelli’s “Primavera”, Caravaggio’s “Sacrifice of Isaac”, and Artemisia Gentileschi’s “Judith and Holofernes” at the Uffizi Gallery; Rafaello’s “Madonna of the Chair” and works by Andrea del Sarto, Titian, Rubens, and Tintoretto in the Palatina Gallery, Palazzo Pitti museum.
Churches
Among the most beautiful churches are the Santa Croce church and San Miniato church. Santa Croce includes the tombs of famous ones such as – Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiaveli, Foscolo, Gentile, and Marconi. It is the largest Franciscan church in the world. San Miniato al Monte is a serene, peaceful, one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. Hearing the gregorian chants by the monks at the crypt every evening at 5:30pm is a time-transporting experience. You can sense the past and will feel like you have travelled back to the 13th century.
Best times to visit this wonderful Renaissance city are from September through November when the weather is most pleasant and enjoyable. Students who want to stay here for a year or more will find this lovely city very inspiring and nurturing for their creative expression.
Photo by Mallady
