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Florence: Art and Culture in Tuscany's Capital!

The city of Florence, Italy is routinely mentioned among the world's most beautiful. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Florence saw an incredible amount of artistic and cultural activity, which earned the city the reputation as the birthplace of the Renaissance. For those with even a passing interest in art and architecture, Florence offers more that can be imagined. The streets are lined with magnificent sculptures and architecture created by such masters as Pisano and Arnolfo. The museums house the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli, among others. Combine the cultural attractions with excellent food, gelato that will knock your socks off, and enough people watching to keep you busy for a month of vacations, and Florence will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime!

Magnificent buildings permeate the Florence streets. Undoubtedly the most recognizable is Il Duomo, Florence's Gothic Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. Construction on the church began in 1296, and the final touches weren't put on until the 19th century. The red-tiled dome of the church was the first dome built during the Renaissance, and served as the model for all domes that followed. Michelangelo paid homage to Il Duomo as he was building the dome on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, by saying, "I will build it bigger, yes, but no lovelier." The view from atop the 463 steps should not be missed. Il Duomo is one of the world's largest churches, and serves as a model for the "Florentine Gothic" style.

The Accademia Museum houses an impressive collection, but is completely dominated by the presence of Michelangelo's David, probably the most famous sculpture in the world. The statue was moved to the museum in 1873, and sits in a room specifically built to show it. Michelangelo created the sculpture in an effort to depict David as nearly godlike, "like Hercules, but more," according to Irving Stone, who wrote a book about the artist entitled The Agony and the Ecstasy. The Accademia houses other Michelangelo sculptures, including his group of unfinished sculptures known as Prisoners. Michelangelo worked on these pieces for over 40 years, presumably because he was never pleased with them.

The Uffizi Gallery has the most extensive collection of Italian paintings found anywhere. Given to the people of Florence by Anna Maria Ludovica, the last Medici grand duchess, the museum is teeming with works by such artists as Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, Titian, Michelangelo, Giotto, Leonardo, and a whole room full of Botticellis. The museum has a nice layout, organized by periods or schools that show how Italian and European art has progressed. In particular, room 25 houses Michelangelo's Holy Family, as well as the Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael. Rooms 10-14 have been dedicated to Botticelli, the great master famous for his paintings of women.

Florence has something for every vacationer's taste. Walk the streets enjoying a gelato (Italian ice cream) as you look for Dante's House (casa di Dante), the Medici Chapels (Cappelli dei Medici), or the Science Museum (Museo di Storia della Scienza). Italians are stylish; fashion goes hand in hand with food, wine, and art. For some tony fashion choices, stroll along Via de Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nova, and Via Strozzi. Famous name designers are on display, but make sure your credit cards have plenty of room! Some great bargains can be found near San Lorenzo on Ponte Vecchio. Leather, gold, silver, prints of the various artists, and hand-made crafts are the popular items. If it is art, wine, food, and culture you seek, look no further than the streets of Florence!