Florence is the city of the Renaissance. Both true Renaissance men, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were born in the Republic of Florence. Michelangelo created many masterpieces in Florence and is buried in Santa Croce in Florence. Florence is the home to the statue David, the Medici Chapels, the Duomo complex with the Florence Cathedral, bell tower and Baptistery. And just in case you are not a fan of history, art, or cathedrals, it is also the gateway to Tuscany where many of the most famous Italian wines are pressed.

To say I am a fan of Florence would be an understatement. I have visited the city on several occasions and have missed more than I have seen. I am drawn to the Duomo and the Uffizi Museums, love the Medici Chapels and definitely enjoy the food and wine. For everything I have experience, there are a dozen things I have not. I was fortunate in my travels to have gotten stuck in Pisa during one of my work-related trips to Italy. Each morning I would go to the front desk, awaiting a package so I could complete my assignment. If it hadn’t arrived by 10:30, I was free for the day to explore. Many days I would head toward Florence. Years later, when Vicky and I went on her Birthday tour of Italy and a Mediterranean Cruise, we spent three glorious days revisiting some of my favorite spots. It only makes me yearn for more.

The Duomo or Cathedral is amongst the most important attractions of Florence, but hardly the only attraction. Still, it is impressive and deserving of its own page, so a dedicated page has been created and we will concentrate on the other sights of Florence on this page. (Italy – Florence – Duomo – Rorysramblin’)

The Basilica of San Lorenzo claims to be the oldest Church in Florence, consecrated in 393. It is one of the largest thanks to the Medici family, the most powerful family in Florence during the Renaissance. Multiple additions during the Renaissance, including the building of a new church in 1419 designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Other additions include the Laurentian Library and The New Sacristy by Michelangelo, and the Medici Chapels by Matteo Nigetti. The chapels house the remains of several prominent Medici family members and are adorned with 4 Michelangelo statues upon the 2 of the tombs. Nearby is the Basilica Santa Croce, the burial place of many  illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli.

At the Galleria dell’Accademia resides the towering statue of David by Michelangelo. It is a 14 foot representation of David as he prepares to battle Goliath. With sling over his left shoulder, the concentration and tension in his eyes and body are delicately embodied in this 17 foot tall, 6 ton masterpiece. After over 2 years of work, the statue is near perfection. A slightly larger head and right hand are artistic interpretations symbolizing concentration and the right hand to symbolize the pondered action. Originally the statue was to be placed high place on the Cathedral, it was considered too perfect for such a high place and was instead placed in the Piazza della Signoria, in the heart of Florence. It was moved to the Galleria in 1873 to protect it, where it stands today. Also at the Galleria are Michelangelo’s slave or prisoners. These are unfinished statues from a large project that was first delayed and then cancelled but symbolizes man’s desire to break free from their bonds. A Pieta attributed to Michelangelo, but now thought to have been finished by another Renaissance artist and called the Palestrina Pieta is also included. The Galleria has so much more to offer, but I only spent my time in the Hall of Prisoners as they lead up to David.

The Piazza della Signoria has been the political and artist center of Florence for seven centuries. Located in front of the Piazza is Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence, this L shaped square is very impressive. The square is shared with the Loggia della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (built in 1359) and the Palazzo Uguccioni. It also shares it space with amazing statues (many of which are the originals). Most imposing is the Fountain of Nepture by Bartolmeo Ammannati (1575) with its giant Nepture on his shell shaped chariot drawn by horses and surrounded by Tritons, Satyrs, young men and women, dolphins and fauns. At the Loggia dei Lanzi, you can find The Rape of the Sabine Woman by Giambologna (1583), Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Cellini (1554) and the Medici Lions by Fancelli and Vacca (1598).

The square has a history of intrigue. In 1497 the famous Bonfire of the Vanities was carried out by the Domincan friar Girolamo Savonarola, burning books, gaming tables, fine dresses and works of poets. It was in this same square where the friar was hung on a cross and burned after charges of heresy and sedition were brought by Pope Alexander VI and he was excommunicated.

A world class city deserves a world class museum and Florence has the Uffizi. Entry is close to the Piazza.  The Uffizi is one of the first modern museums. The gallery had been open to visitors by request since the sixteenth century, and in 1765 it was officially opened to the public, formally becoming a museum in 1865. It originally held the artwork of the Medici family once the ruling family had basically died out. It was gifted to the city of Florence and started in the top floors of a building complex constructed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 to house the offices of Florentine magistrates. It has evolved into the most important museum in Italy and houses paintings and statues by Dante, Botticelli (including the famous Birth of Venus), da Vinci, Titian, and of course Michelangelo. There are actually three complexes associated with the Uffizi, including the main building, the Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace. Nearby is the Basilica Santa Croce, the burial place of many  illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli.

We didn’t spend much time in the Uffizi, it was quite crowded and we spent way too much time at the Duomo. I have a return visit to cover at least a few of my misses, to include the Uffizi complex, a climb up the Duomo, a detailed visit to Santa Croce and much more time at the Galleria dell’Accademia (and a few more that I neglected).