|
Florence’s close association with the Renaissance is on full view at museums and churches, on gates and doors. You just can’t shake off a legacy that’s richly seasoned with the personas of da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatella, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi and the formidable Medici family…and even if you could, why would you?
The pink, green and white Duomo is visible from every part of this city – well, almost. The ingenious technique of double-shelled construction of the dome by Filippo Brunelleschi uses a method where the bricks interlock and are self-supporting. Go up the more than 450 steps for a breathtaking view of the city of Florence. On the way up, pause at the gallery to view the marvellous frescoes and other works of art that embellish the fourth largest church in the world. You will see Michelino’s ‘Dante explaining The Divine Comedy’, Vassari and Zuccari’s version of ‘The Last Judgement’ and ‘The Mountain of Purgatory’ among others. Climb the Campanile (82 m) for a bird’s eye view of Florence. Its lower storeys were made according to Giotto’s plan and are adorned with bas-relief by Pisano and Della Robbia.
The battistero or Baptistery, next to the Duomo, was built during the 6th or 7th centuries is Florence’s oldest building. Dante Aighieri, author of The Divine Comedy, was christened here. Ghiberti designed the gleaming bronze doors that Michelangelo thought were fit to be the Gates of Paradise. The shining mosaic floor, elaborate ceiling and the tomb of Pope John XXIII are the work of Donatella and Michelangelo. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses most of the art of the Duomo.
From P. del Duomo, the busy Via dei Calzaiuoli, runs south to P. della Signoria, one of the oldest streets of Florence. The Piazza della Signoria was established in the 13th century. It was here that the religious leader Savonarola was burnt a year after he persuaded Florentines to burn Florence’s best art in the Bonfire of the Vanities. The Loggia dei Lanzi, built as a stage for orators, became a gallery of sculptures under the Medici rule.
Visit the Palazzo Vecchio that houses works by Michelangelo, da Vinci and Bronzino. It used to be the family home of the Medici dukes. Michelozzo designed the Renaissance inspired courtyard.
Vasari designed the offices or Uffizi of the Administration of the Duke Cosimo de’ Medici. The Uffizi is now a museum that surpasses all others in its wealth of Renaissance art.
The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. Along the bridge diamond cutters and goldsmiths have replaced the tanneries and butcheries of yore.
The Piazza della Repubblica replaced the Mercato Vecchio or the old market but a single column remains.
The Museo Nazionale de Bargello is in possession of some of the most accomplished sculptures from the Renaissance. Ghiberti, Donatello, Michelangelo, (Ghiberti tutored Donatello, who tutored Michelangelo) Cellini, Giambologna and Brunelleschi figure under one roof in its astounding assortment.
Chiesa di Santa Croce in the Piazza Santa Croce is a splendid church with remarkable Giotto frescoes and an astounding assortment of tombs. This phenomenal church is the final resting place for Galileo Galilee, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.
At the Accademia stands the ultimate pinup, Michelangelo’s David... very, very divine!
Brunelleschi built the Basilica di San Lorenzo but it reflects more the influence and taste of the Medici who controlled every aspect of its construction. The Medici family’s private library is now open to the public.
The Laurenziana Library houses one of the most valuable manuscript collections in the world. Brunelleschi built Palazzo Pitti for the rivals of the Medici, but eventually ‘the family’ took it over anyway. On its ornate walls hang works by Raphael and Rueben.
The Boboli Gardens exemplify Renaissance ‘gardenscape’: sculpted hedges, hollyhocks and cypress trees in contrast and fountains are all arranged in neat symmetry.
The Forte di Belvedere was once a Medici fortress and treasury and built for Grand Duke Ferdinand I. Now, the star-shaped fort hosts summer exhibitions. For a picture postcard view of Florence, head for the Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s just down the Via Belvedere.
|