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 Medici Family Library |
Piazza San Lorenzo 9 Florence 50123 Italy +39 055 211 590 http://www.bml.firenze.sbn.it/ |
Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana (Laurentian Library) could be considered the Medici's family's library. Located to the left of San Lorenzo church (entrance on second floor through San Lorenzo cloister), the library was founded by Cosimo il Vecchio but it was Lorenzo the Magnificent who consistently enlarged the book collections. The monumental vestibule was designed by Michelangelo, with a large staircase, grey sandstone framework of columns, pilasters, and corbels standing out against whitewashed walls. He also designed the beautiful wooden ceiling and carved benches/reading desks of the Reading Room. The library contains thousands of manuscripts, especially relating to Florentine Renaissance including autographs of Petrarch and Boccaccio, illuminated codices, and an uncommon collection of about 2,500 papyri. Admission: Free. Maria Frullini Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Path Along the River |
Piazzale degli Uffizi Florence 50122 Italy +39 055 238 8651 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
When Cosimo de'Medici, Grand Duke of Florence, addressed his commute to work in Palazzo della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio) from his home one mile away in the Palazzo Pitti, he worried about the dangerous, dark trek he had to endure. Because the Medici already had assassination attempts, his architect, Giorgio Vasari, designed the elevated skyway so he could travel back and forth without being seen. The corridor became known as the Vasari Corridor and is now a gallery of self-portraits from Renaissance era to present day. Access is only available for groups of 15 or more and booking is a must. Admission: EUR 28.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Handiwork of Michelangelo |
Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini Florence, FI Italy +39 55 29 4883 |
The Medici Chapels are historical labors that are as grand in their own way as are the pyramids of Egypt. Started in 1605, these shrines were under construction for centuries. 85 years earlier Michelangelo was tasked to design and build the New Sacristy from one of the Medici cardinals Giulio de' Medici, (remembered in history as Pope Clement VII) dedicated to the memory of Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). The bodies of several other Medici family members are interred in the Cappelle Medicee, most notably Lorenzo the Magnificent, Giuliano de' Medici (his brother, killed during the Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478) and all of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany. Typical of a spiritual leader he was obsessed with the here-after and the creation of these intricate chapels testifies to that. Of artistic note are actual charcoal sketches by Michelangelo's own hand. Admission: EUR 4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Noodlefish  |
 Photo: Anuja Byotra |
 Photo: vanhoy |
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A Classic of Renaissance Sculpture |
Galleria dell'Accademia Via Ricasoli, 60 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 238 8609 http://www.polomuseale.firenze... |
The world-renowned David, sculpted by Michelangelo between 1500 and 1504, is considered, along with the Pietà, the masterpiece of its creator who was only 26 years old at that time. Made out of an irregular block of marble, the statue portrays the biblical hero David before entering his battle against Goliath. It symbolizes the youth and strengh and is known to represent the power of the Florentine Republic. Originally, the statue stood in front of the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. For a better preservation, it has been removed from outdoors and is now displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia. A copy of the statue remains on the Piazza della Signoria. Admission: 6.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stefan Leßmann |
 Photo: Michael MacLaughlin |
 Photo: R. Adcock |
 Photo: Daniel Belatti |
 Photo: Denys Nevozhai |
 Photo: Mike Thomas |
 Photo: Janet Flynn |
 Photo: Dee Washburn |
 Photo: Amy Girard |
 Photo: Josh Kugler |
 Photo: B.Wills |
 Photo: wanna be photographer |
 Photo: Sonia Rego |
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 Photo: The Ugly One with the Jewels |
 Photo: Joanne Ho |
 Fine architecture from the 15th century |
Piazza degli Antinori, 3 Florence 50122 Italy +39 55 29 2234 |
This building, an example of 15th-century civil architecture, is in the heart of Renaissance Florence, near the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and opposite the San Gaetano baroque church, which dates from the year 1000AD. Built for Giovanni Boni, it was constructed by Giuliano da Maiano who included a wide, internal courtyard, reflecting the geometric canons and harmonious equilibrium of the architecture of the time. The building is now private property, having passed out of the hands of the Antinori family in 1506. Their name, thankfully, has been preserved. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tommaso Baldovino |
 Photo: Nordthy |
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16th-century palazzo |
Piazza Santa Trinita, 1 Florence 50125 Italy |
This 16th-century palazzo was one of the first examples of "Roman style" architecture which was brought to Florence by Baccio d'Agnolo. While the prevalent Florentine style of the time involved façades with rustication and plasterwork, between 1520 and 1523 Baccio d'Agnolo brought in an architectonic style using triangular tympana and columns typical of Roman classicism. This was not warmly received in Florence and in response to this the architect put an inscription in Latin on the façade. His family motto, used by the poet d'Annunzio, can instead be found above the entrance to via Porta Rossa: "per non dormire" (lest we sleep). The pictoral contrasts required by the stone facade have been revealed by recent restoration. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melissa Demos |
 Photo: Tommaso Baldovino |
 Photo: paion |
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Aristocratic Florentine residence |
Piazza San Firenze, 3 Florence 50122 Italy |
This palazzo is modeled on the most successful 15th-century palazzi. It was built in 1490 by Giuliano da Sangallo and remains today one of the most important examples of its period. Giuliano did not succeed in finishing the project and Giuseppe Poggi finished it in 1874 by developing the structure towards the Palazzo Vecchio, adding an opening and constructing the lateral prospect. The story goes that Leonardo da Vinci was working on the Mona Lisa while he was living in one of the dilapidated houses in Via de'Gondi. As well as taking decorative elements from typical local architecture, such as the rusticated facade and the stone street bench, Sangallo innovated with the halo of rustication around the windows. The palazzo still belongs to the same family today and on the ground floor there is also a flower shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Wilkinson |
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Grand Congiura palazzo |
Via del Proconsolo, 10 Florence 50122 Italy |
The grandness of this Palazzo reminds one of the important position held by the Congiura family in Renaissance Florence. The family tried to seize economic and political power from the Medicis, as others did before them. This palazzo was where the conspiracy against the Medici's was hatched and planned in 1478. Giuliani de' Medici was killed, although Lorenzo il Magnifico managed to escape by hiding away. The Pazzi conspiracy led to the palazzo being renamed the Palazzo della Congiura, or "The Palace of Conspiracy". The architect, Giuliano da Maiano is thought to have finished the building, designed in the style of Brunelleschi, between 1558 and 1569. The façade was built with a rusticated lower part which contrasts with the plastered upper floor. In the corner the family crest - decorated by Giuliano with symbolic paintings of family members - is a copy of the original, which today is in the entrance courtyard. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matteo Borgnolo |
 Photo: Alessio Siega |
 Photo: Jason M |
 Photo: Ivan Muller |
 Photo: Bethany |
 Photo: nealaway |
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Albertian Renaissance classicism |
Piazza de Rucellai, 1 Florence 50125 Italy |
This palazzo is the model described in the refined 15th-century text by Giovan Battista Alberti, De re aedificatoria. It was built in the Piazza of the same name where a Loggia with three wide arcades was built for Giovanni di Paolo Rucellai, the same person for whom Alberti built the façade of Santa Maria Novella. The architectural model demands a Renaissance reading. There are three classical orders on three levels, and there are symbols and family crests which commemorate the Rucellai family, such as diamonds, feathers and sails, which can also be found in Santa Maria Novella. Construction began in 1455 while the Loggia was erected between 1463 and 1466. Until a few years ago it was the site of the Archivio Alinari and on the first floor there was the Alinari Museum of Photography, which was transferred to Piazza Alinari. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: J. C. Cuesta |
 Photo: Ann Silver |
 Photo: Keye Ratley |
 Photo: bronnygee |
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Filippo Strozzi's palace |
Piazza Strozzi, 1 Florence 50122 Italy |
This Palazzo was commissioned by Filippo Strozzi and the job was undertaken by Benedetto da Maiano, who began work in 1489. He enlisted the help of Simone del Pollaiuolo (most commonly known as Il Cronaca), who made the splendid jutting cornice in 1502, and who finished the large internal courtyard with porticoes on all sides. Even though it was inhabited from 1504 the building was never fully completed, leaving the cornice and the southern façade unfinished. The rustication is present on three sides of the façade, which features many iron embellishments, including torch holders, hooks for horses or standard bearers. Some of these were substituted in the 19th century with exact copies of the designs by Benedetto da Maiano. Today the Palazzo is a famous site for temporary exhibitions which take place in the first-floor rooms, while in other rooms accessible from the courtyard are based certain cultural organizations such as the Gabinetto Vieusseux, and the Instituto Nazionale di Studi sul Rinascimento. Admission to Special Exhibits: EUR 10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paolo Pan |
 Photo: Nick Wright |
 Photo: Renee R West |
 Photo: Renee R West |
 Photo: paula moya |
 Photo: Stephanie et Bruno |
 Photo: Ramon Rosati |
 Photo: Chiara Barbucci |
 Photo: Anthony White |
 Photo: boisderose |
 Photo: michaelrmclaughlin |
 Photo: Christine Haley |
 Photo: Nicola Barbato |
 Photo: Sara Marzocchi |
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Civic and Political Center |
Piazza della Signora Florence 50122 Italy |
Piazza della Signora has been the hub of Florence's political life since the Republic at the end of the 15th Century. This L-shaped square is surrounded by its most famous buildings. Among them, the Palazzo Vecchio, head of the Florentine government, the Galleria degli Uffizi and the Ponte Vecchio. Look around you to see reproductions of Michelangelo's David and the original fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati. Enjoy a full view of the Piazza from the terrace of the Loggia dei Lanzi. The place is a good starting point to begin your tour of the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott C. Webster |
 Photo: Jon and Michele |
 Photo: Tom Antos |
 Photo: kassy humphreys |
 Photo: Matt Chester |
 Photo: Anthony Powis |
 Photo: Ryan Berry |
 Photo: SwatiM |
 Photo: Peggy Chan |
 Photo: Gregg Einhorn |
 Photo: Marty Portier |
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 Photo: valentina volavia |
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 Photo: Sue L. Chan |
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 Photo: Mark Barlow |
 Photo: Laura Garlando |
 Photo: Gemma Zapata |
 Photo: Mateusz 'Matt' Fogel |
 Photo: Bernardo Ribeiro |
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Anglo-Catholic Church |
Via Maggio 16 Florence 50125 Italy +39 055 294 764 http://www.stmarksitaly.com/ |
Built in 1881 on a palazzo thought to have once been owned by the Machiavelli family, this beautiful Anglo-Catholic church is worth checking out. Intricately carved alters, venetian hanging lamps, and the brown watermark left by the flood of 1966 are all of note. From April through November, daily eventing concerts are open to the public, and often feature groups from around the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Haute Couture in Florence |
Via de' Tornabuoni Florence 50123 Italy |
This lovely street right in the center of the centro storico is a shopping mecca for those who visit Florence. Named from the famous Tornabuoni family whose palace lines the street and is currently a private apartment complex. Via de' Tornabuoni was once the premier shopping street in the city, but recent development has forced many of the independently operated businesses out, i.e. Seeber International Bookstore, Doney's. Nearby is the Via della Vigna Vecchia, an off-shoot of Tornabuoni which leads down towards the Arno, which also has numerous swanky, luxurious shops. Nonetheless, many major shops line these two streets, such as Loro Piana, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emporio Armani and Tiffany's. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Splendid Italian gardens |
Via del Rossellino, 72 Florence 50135 Italy +39 55 69 7205 |
This is an exceptional example of an Italian-style garden, carefully tended by the Capponi family, who came into possession of it in the seventeenth century. The family completely renovated this old country home which had previously belonged (in the 15th century) to the father of the celebrated sculptor, Rossellino. In the twentieth century the garden was enriched with fountains and statues under the careful guidance of skilled gardeners, at a time when the villa belonged to a princess. Restoration works were also carried out to repair Second World War damage. This private villa only allows visitors to its external gardens, including on Sundays and Bank Holidays by prior arrangement. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: meagandickemann |
 Photo: Sophie Bye |
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Sir Harold Acton's former villa |
Via Bolognese, 120 Florence 50100 Italy |
This private villa can only be visited following a written request. The alley running from the entrance gate to the villa itself is lined with cypress trees and although the villa was built in the 16th century, it was completely renovated by the architects, Fontana and Ruggieri for the Capponi family in the 18th century. One of the villa's recent owners was Sir Harold Acton, an art historian who put together his own art collection here; it was subsequently bequeathed to an American university. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Kidder |
 Photo: Lynn Schibeci |
 Photo: Lynn Schibeci |
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Splendid Medici villa |
Via della Petraia, 40 Florence 50141 Italy +39 55 45 1208 |
It was Ferdinando I de' Medici who commissioned the restructuring works to this castle, which belonged to the Brunelleschi family in the second half of the 16th Century. It seems more than likely that Buonalenti was placed in charge of the project. In 1648, Volterrano completed the frescoes on the walls of the inner courtyard, depicting the splendor of the Medici family. The courtyard was covered with an iron structure when the villa passed to the Savoy family, who then transformed it into a summer residence, introducing new furniture, including imperial pieces from other royal residences. The Italian gardens in front of the villa, complete with nurseries, greenhouses and pools, were designed in the 16th Century and partly modified in the 19th Century. To the rear are some beautiful English gardens designed by Fritsch. Many of the villa's rooms are open to visitors, including the lounge which the Savoy family equipped with parlor games. Guided tours are available at specific times. The gardens close one hour prior to the villa and tickets are also valid for entry to the park at the Villa Medicea di Castello. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: giosmarta |
 Photo: Antonio RUGGIERO |
 Photo: andrea natt |
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Location of the Florentine Neoplatonic Academy |
Via Pieraccini, 17 Florence 50139 Italy +39 55 427 7329 |
This 14th-century building was commissioned by Cosimo il Vecchio. Originally owned by the Lippi family, it passed to the Medici family in the 15th Century and the villa saw both the birth of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his death in 1492, as well as the death of his grandfather, Cosimo il Vecchio. The latter declared it his favorite residence and made it the head of the Neo-Platonic Academy. Lorenzo the Magnificent liked to surround himself with prominent scholars of philosophy such as Marsilio Ficino, Angelo Poliziano, Pico della Mirandola and other members of the Academy. Cosimo, meanwhile, transferred his library and some of his collections here, accommodating Ficino in a nearby house. The many alterations during the Medici and Lorenzo periods as well as the many interventions of various owners over the last two centuries have, unfortunately, not left a trace of the original gardens which were an important aspect of the estate. Free visits are available upon requests made to the current proprietor: l'Azienda Ospedaliera di Firenze who have transferred their offices there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Grand Duchess D'Asburgo's splendid villa |
Piazzale del Poggio Imperiale Florence 50125 Italy +39 55 22 6171 |
This 17th-century villa stands on the Imperial Hill, so called because of its connections with the imperial D'Asburgo family through the Grand Duchess Maria Magdalena, wife of Cosimo II de' Medici and sister of the Emperor Ferdinand II. The original building designed by Parigi was altered during the 18th and 19th centuries by the designs of Paoletti, Poccianti and Cacialli, who created a neo-classical style which was particularly welcomed by the Grand Duchess. In the second half of the 19th century it was used as an educational center. Now under state control, only some ground floor rooms of the villa may be visited, namely those containing paintings by Matteo Roselli and other 17th-century Florentine painters, which depict subjects chosen by the Grand Duchess D'Asburgo. On the top floor, however, a room of Albertolli statues may also be visited. Please telephone for an appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |