"Tuscan Renaissance City" Florence by bpwillet

Florence Travel Guide: 5,082 reviews and 11,268 photos

Duomo dome and rooftops-Florence - Florence

Expectations...

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.

Early beginnings

Part of the old medieval city walls

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

Michelangelo's "David"

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great external and internal beauty
In a nutshell:Masterpiece of art and culture

Last visit to Florence: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Feb 22, 2004
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Reviews (41)

Be prepared What to Pack (1)

I didn't stay very long so I didn't need a lot of bags. You can always have a taxi or bus take you somewhere else around... more travel advice

Food, art and history Favorites (2)

As most of you know I love learning things when I travel. Anything about history or the culture of a place intrigues me.... more travel advice

The leaning tower Favorites (2)

I know that this is not in Florence but it was one of my favorite things. I had always read about this place and the... more travel advice

Duomo and Baptistry, Campo Di Miracoli-Pisa - Florence

Pisa Baptistry Off The Beaten Path (4)

Built in a romanesque style in 1152 by Diotisalvi only to be continued and finished 100 years later by Nicola Pisano who... more travel advice

Things to Do (32)
See All Boboli Gardens
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Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 22, 2004

5 photos

Great views around Florence

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Comments (14)

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Maurizioago Mar 25, 2008 at 6:19 AM

Good page. Ciao!
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gilabrand Mar 15, 2007 at 2:40 PM

I was in Florence in the 1970s. It looks the same...
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R-men Sep 6, 2006 at 4:22 AM

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!
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Callavetta Apr 27, 2005 at 2:18 PM

What a fantastic view from your B&B window! Very nice page. Thanks!
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tpangelinan Mar 3, 2005 at 4:59 PM

What a great Florence page you have. So much research! You have done an excellent job. I especially like the Boboli Gardens.
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rexvaughan Sep 24, 2004 at 10:04 PM

Outstanding tips and photos of Florence. Like you, I was not prepared for its impact. Hope your birthday is wonderful.
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CALSF Jul 17, 2004 at 3:45 PM

Nice Florence information. I've visited twice and it's great. What a nice view you had from your B & B!!
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suzaila May 11, 2004 at 6:09 PM

Excellent Florence page. Lovely pictures and very informative. Two thumbs up.
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blaird Mar 4, 2004 at 2:19 PM

no doubt, perfect day trip from Florence!
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kazander Feb 24, 2004 at 10:41 AM

Great page on one of my favorite places to visit.