Every new born from old. The roots of the new arts of Europe of the 15th century which known as the Renaissance arts lie in the era of flowering of Gothic’s arts in Florence, the capital of Toscana province. From the Latin Florence translated as “blooming”. The city was founded in the 1 century BC by the Roman general Julius Caesar who gave this land to his soldiers. Of course it was not founded over the empty space. Before Romans appeared, here already was Etruscans city.
It’s hard to call Florence of the Roman times as significant city. Florence had conceded in development to its neighbors. The lucky times for the city began after the fall of Rome when the roads of Italy were overflowed by the robbers and traders investigated new paths.
One of the new developed trade roads began to flow through Florence and this caused huge development of the city. Despite the fact of the civil war between citizens of Florence it managed to withhold its positions in south Europe as center of trade and production.
Highest point in its development, Florence had reached thanks to the famous Medici family, members of which were the Kings and even kept the Pope’s throne in Rome. Medici had contributed a lot to the arts in Florence. They had invited many prominent artists from all over the Italy and many of them had worked in Florence for a long period. That is why today we eager to the Florence – to see the birthplace of Renaissance and results of work of many famous artists of 15-17 centuries.
Florence lies in the valley which is surrounded by high hills. River Arno separates city on two parts. The main part of the city - is north but I recommend start your excursion from the south of Florence, from the place called Piazzale Michelangelo. This place located at the top of the hill and has a wonderful view to the main sights of the Florence. It’s worth mentioning that one of the greatest sons of the Florence – Dante – had loved this place. He came here in evening and contemplated the city beneath.
Over the sea of the city’s roofs soar main towers of the Florence - tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, steeple of the Santa Maria Novella church, bell of the Santa Croce church. But reigns in the panoramic view of the Florence – dome of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore.
The main part of the Cathedral has been built at the end of the 13 century by Arnolfo di Cambio. The dome of the Church has been erected in 1418-1436 by Brunelleschi. Next to dome there is a bell tower which was built in 1334-1360 by Giotto.
Facade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore exits to the Duomo Square. In front of Cathedral there is another treasure of Florence – city’s Baptistery. According to the ledgens Baptistery of Florence is an ancient temple of Mars which has been converted into the Christian church.
Interior of Baptistery adorned by the Byzantine murals of 13 century. But may be most of us eager to visit Baptistery to see its doors which were developed in the 15 century by the Lorenzo Ghiberti. Michelangelo called these doors as “doors to the heaven”.
There is always a big huddle before doors. But in nowadays you can see the copy of the Ghiberti’s work in Baptistery. The original doors are kept in Museum of Duomo which is located beyond of the Cathedral. And I was surprised when I found that the Museum of Duomo is half empty.
Once upon a time Florence had six bridges which connected the banks of Arno River. But today is only one survived – the famous Ponte Vecchio, oldest bridge of Florence, which originates from the Roman times.
Originally it was made from wood but after one of the floods which hit the bridge it was rebuilt from stone. Built up from the each side by shops Ponte Vecchio looks exactly like in the Middle Ages. And like a few centuries ago, their owners sell local jewelry.
In Florence there are a lot of churches. If mention them all, I should write a book, not a small article. But I want mention a Santa Croce which is the Pantheon of the Florence. This church has been built between 13 and 14 centuries. Its interior adorned by the murals of many famous artists of Florence among which you can find a work of Giotto. And along of the church’s walls there are shrines of most prominent people of Florence. For example, here buried the Michelangelo and Galileo.
To recap this small article I want to mention about the Piazza della Signoria which was the center of political life in Florence. In the Middle Ages the government of Florence adorned this place by the sculptures to commemorate important events in the life of the Florence. For example, bronze statue of “Judith” (work of Donattelo) has been established here to commemorate eviction of the Medici from the Florence. Many of sculptures now are kept in the Florence’s museums (for example, David Michelangelo) but Piazza della Signoria continues to be one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
