Tag Archives: Renaissance

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and it is the world’s celebrated jewel of  Italian art and architecture. It is a living museum of the Renaissance headquartered in a medieval city-scape. I love the imposing palace, the Palazzo Vecchio on the Piazza della Signoria with the amzing gallery of statues, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David.

Florence is famous for voluptuous domes and incredible food and wine adventures. There are plenty of intimate restaurants and Vino con Vistas opportunities at every corner. Discover the culinary delicacies of Florence at the local market. Browse the stalls full of local produce and sample Florentine specialties, such as tripe, cheese and Tuscan croutons.

The Mercato Centrale , or Mercato di San Lorenzo  is located between via dell’Ariento, via Sant’Antonino, via Panicale and Piazza del Mercato Centrale. 

Florence rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the mighty Medici dynasty in the 15^th and 16^th centuries. The churches, galleries and palaces are brimming with Renaissance masterpieces. Marvel at the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and ascend Brunelleschi’s Dome. Browse the jewelry and artisan stalls along the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge over the Arno River.

The city was built on the site of an Etruscan settlement and has 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity. It is an incredibly compact city for walking.  Walk to the Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for a glimmering moonlit cityscape.  Marvel at her panoramic glory as the cloak of darkness descends over her dimly lit splendor.

Here are some UNESCO photos of Florence, Italy: http://www.ourplaceworldheritage.com/custom.cfm?&action=site&regionid=9&site_country=ITALY&site_name=Historic Centre of Florence&siteid=292

Natural and man-made disasters have threatened the city’s wealth of art history.  In 1966, the Arno River’s devastating flood destroyed or severely damaged Florentine treasures.  In 1993, a mafia bomb exploded near the Uffizi and severely damaged the gallery. The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge to escape Nazi bombs during World War II.

Her glorious past is evident in the monumental grandeur of her structures. The 13^th century cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi, Santa Maria Novella, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Bargello and the Pitti Palace are incredible repositories of Renaissance art.

Florence has the largest concentration of Renaissance art and sculpture in the world. Landmark cloisters, chapels and refectories are all galleries of Renaissance art.

Book a room at Hotel Lungarno
on the banks of the Arno with stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio and over 400 original works of art  including Picasso and Ferragamo’s fashion sketches.

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Don’t miss the Bargello Museum

To learn more about Florence read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

now available on iPad @

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