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Florence transports you back to the coruscating artistic brilliance of medieval Italy that engendered the Renaissance. Its ethereal art delights as much as the sunset over the Arno or the Florentine food and wine. The russet rooftops and soaring domes only heighten the enchantment. While the earthy and open hearted people add the human touch to this city of industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science.
Ideally, travel to Florence during April -June or September/October is ideal. Florence can be reached easily from all major European cities. Once there, board a bus - most of the medieval pleasures are clustered together - and you will reach the greatest Renaissance wonderland of monuments and churches in Italy.
The Duomo stands out even amongst artistic Florentine skyline. Yet, Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome is just a precursor to the countless artistic wonders inside. Prepare to be astonished by the neat liveliness that transfuses through its pink, white and green marble faรงade. The dome itself, though in a state of disrepair, is an amazing achievement of design. It tops the world's fourth-largest cathedral that took almost 150 years to complete.
Pi The erstwhile Florentine "Hyde Park "of the middle ages, it still attracts tourists by the droves. Don't miss the replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings in the bustle. Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, is the finest original work on the piazza. You can sip coffee, take pictures of the famous scenes, pose in front of Ammannati's Mannerist Fountain of Neptune... the possibilities are endless. It’s one travel destination in Italy that gives you invaluable political lessons.
Harking back to the days of Medici domination, the Basilica showcases the power, and their munificent patronage of artistic expressions. Marvel at Donatello's bronze pulpits. Another attraction, albeit literary, is the Laurenziana Library, that stacks the family's enormous collection of books - reached through a subtle Michelangelo. The Medici Chapels are studded with precious marble and semiprecious stones as well as Michelangelo's New Sacristy that contains his Night and Day, Dawn and Dusk sculptures.
Pitti Palace Grandness reaches epic heights in this palace that opulently displays masterpieces by Raphael, Filippo Lippi, Tintoretto, Veronese and Rubens. A gallery of modern art and a costume collection also wait to be explored at the palace. Don't miss, too, the Strozzi Palace, and the Rucellai Palace - housing a photographic museum and the Boboli Gardens.
The cultural shock and amazement you experience after visiting the Church of Santa Croce has even got a medical name: the Stendhal's Disease. If the geometric, colored marble that decorate the building's facade mesmerize, then wait till you get inside. Tombs of the famous sons of Italy including those of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Bardi line the walls. Masterpieces by Giotto and della Robbia, line the walls of the chapels while Brunelleschi's peaceful cloisters provide ample spaces for gentle repose. You also find incredible pieces of religious architecture and sculpture at Orsanmichele; Santa TrinitĂ ; All Saints', Santa Maria Novella et al. The entire experience adds a somber note to your rich medieval experience.
Get a close up on the most comprehensive range of medieval and Renaissance sculptures in Italy. Marvel at Michelangelo's drunken Bacchus, stare in amazement at Donatello's David, admire Giambologna's Mercury‌ the list goes on. Walk across to Mary Magdalene's chapel decorated by frescoes from Giotto's workshop.
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