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"Tuscan Renaissance City" a Florence Travel Page by bpwillet

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"Tuscan Renaissance City" a Florence Travel Page by bpwillet

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bpwillet   
See it all, rest later...


Real Name: Brad
Lives In: Chania, GR
Member Since: Nov 26, 2002
VT Rank: 248

 

Page Views: 5,763            Last Visit to Florence: December, 2002      

Tuscan Renaissance City

by bpwillet - last update: Feb 22, 2004

Expectations...

Duomo dome and rooftops-Florence
I headed to Florence in December. Mainly because a friend of mine was studing there. It gave me an excuse to go there and meet up with people before they left. I expected to see wide open plazas, lots of cafe's lining the streets and boutiques filled with the latest runway fashions. Florence was all of that and more. I woke up everyday to the sound of the bells of the Duomo just outside my hotel room. This city went beyond all my expectations. I didn't realize what I was going to see until I started learning more about what an incredible spot this city holds in history. Most of it can be explored on foot and I was very pleased with what I discovered.
I have studied great works of art by those who have made art not only expressive but beautiful. I never thought I would actually see some of these things in reality-Michelangelo's "David", Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" and "Primavera". Not only did the masterpieces of art amaze me but also the buildings for spiritual reflection and awe, and political position. So many different periods and styles are expressed in Florence. The magnificence of the duomo has always intrigued me and has become a very identifiable marker of Florence. Then there is the food. I love Italian food but partaking in some of the authentic flavors and dishes in that area of Tuscany was incredible. Quickly Florence became one of my favorite European cities. I hope you will see a glimpse into why this may be true.
Part of the old medieval city walls

Early beginnings

Originally the area of Florence was inhabited in prehistoric times and by populations of Etruscans. It was one of Caesar's colonies, and development began around 59AD. It was enclosed in walls which saw extensive additions to the city planning throughout history. The River Arno was outside the original city walls. Florence was situated to be a part of major lines of communication of trade and farther colonies to the north with Rome. This position helped to gain power in economics and trade and the spread of Christianity in the early 2nd century. Strategically sought by opposing sides during the Gotho-Byzantine War, eventually it succumbed in the 500's . Florence fell to the Lombards at the end of the 6th century and saw a decline of the city, eventually brining a feudal system by the 8th century. Florence once again became an important city in the Middle Ages and was involved in numerous religious and political struggles. Most outstanding monuments were its religious structures whose numbers almost tripled in a few hundred years. Florence became a principal center for Tuscany, and urban and social growth occured rapidly. Byt the 14th century nre political struggles between the merchants and the nobles insued and magnificent building projects slowed. The Medici's were a very influencial family and renewed Florence's politcal, economical, and artistic desires. It was this time that the expressive arts became charged magnificent works created. Florence experienced many ebbs and flows of economic status and political restructuring.

Expanding the Arts

With its economic status and relative peace, Florence had the makings of a great spiritual, and artistic renewal, demonstrated by the amazing works of art created there. Literary culture, the sciences, arts all seem to come together in one sense of being and purpose. Buildings were created to demonstrate the wealth and power of the city (Palacio Vecchio) and even religious structures can be characterized by the grandness of their buildings (Santa Croce). This is also the time when true public meeting places and plazas were developed into city planning. Differences in ideology also came about within the works of thinkers like Machiavelli and his ideas of state.
Michelangelo's "David"

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Great external and internal beauty"
In A Nutshell:"Masterpiece of art and culture"
bpwillet's Florence Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 32 - Photos: 32
 
RestaurantsHotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
TransportationLocal Customs
 
Packing Lists
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Shopping
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2

bpwillet's Florence Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Great views around FlorenceDecember, 2002 5

Comments for bpwillet about Florence
Maurizioago Tue Mar 25, 2008 14:19 UTC
 Good page. Ciao!
gilabrand Thu Mar 15, 2007 22:40 UTC
 I was in Florence in the 1970s. It looks the same...
R-men Wed Sep 6, 2006 12:22 UTC
 excellent Florence pages! I was there in February and absolutely loved that city. Will post some of my photos when I have more time. Enjoy!
Callavetta Wed Apr 27, 2005 22:18 UTC
 What a fantastic view from your B&B window! Very nice page. Thanks!
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