60 Days of Italy – Florence – My Travel Notions
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60 Days of Italy – Florence

Italy Day 19: Florence, Birth of the Renaissance

Florence is literally a walking museum even if you never enter one of the churches or buildings and is known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” But when you do enter, there is a world of beauty to behold.

We made it in time to check out the Uffizi Gallery, along with a crowd of people. But where else do you get to see the works of the pre-eminent Renaissance artists like Brunellesci’s dome, Michelangelo, Leonardo di Vinci and Botticelli topped off with a meal other than pasta.

Here’s a brief introduction to Florence.

Italy Day 20: Santa Maria Novella and a Nun’s Last Supper

Florence is overwhelming, with people, with art, with tons of history. It’s too much to take in even in four days. You must pick and choose and pace yourself because intellectually, it is just a lot to take in.

So, today we paced ourselves and settled on just one thing, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and its museum that includes its former convent and its cloister.

Plus, the highlight for me was the Last Supper by a woman, circa 1560, who was a self-taught artist and nun named Plautilla Nelli.

Italy Day 21: Medici & Michelangelo in Florence

The Medici were a family of wealthy bankers and four popes who were the funding force behind the Renaissance. They commissioned art for their palaces and family tombs and patronized artists so they could focus on their art without having to worry about money.

Beginning in 1434 with the rise to power of Cosimo de Medici or Cosimo the Elder, the family’s patronage of the arts and humanities made Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance, Europe’s scientific, artistic and cultural rebirth.

The Medici Bank was the largest in Europe during the 15th century which facilitated their rise to political power in Florence. And, the Basilica of San Lorenzo was the Medici church with the Medici Chapel.

So, today was about visiting the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici Chapel, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the tomb of Michelangelo at the Basilica of Santa Croce.

Italy Day 22: The Duomo, Museum, Baptistry, The David & Oltrarno Food Tour

We have squeezed a lot into four days of Florence and yet there is still more we could see and do. But for now, we’ve enjoyed the city that opened the door to the Renaissance.

So for our last full day, the morning began with a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia or Accademia Gallery, the art museum containing Michelangelo’s The David. Plus, I squeezed in the Florence Duomo, the Duomo Museum and the Baptistry in the historic center.

And, for our last evening in Florence, Alice and I enjoyed a food tour and a walk through the Oltrarno area of Florence.

Here’s to saying goodbye to Florence and hello to Arezzo, where the plan is to take it easy and slow down.