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Savonarola and San Marco, Florence

Many years ago, I read a novel by George Eliot about a young girl called Romola living in Renaissance Florence. The story was about her life amid the religious upheavals of the 1490s. Much of the novel referred to the powerful Savonarola, the monk who coerced the Florentine people to abandon their material wealth for […]
San Lorenzo and Medici Chapel in Florence

Right in the middle of the market district in Florence is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The basilica is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Florence. The basilica is the first consecrated church in the city, dating back to 393. The church we see today was also the parish church of the all-conquering […]
An Afternoon in the Bargello Museum

The Bargello Museum, located in the Palazzo del Bargello, is a fantastic collection of Renaissance works of art and sculpture. The palazzo is a fortress with powerful embattlements that surround a somewhat austere façade. Once used as a prison from 1574, the palace dates back to the 13th century. The collection in the museum began […]
The Oltrarno Quarter, Florence (Part 2)

On the north side of the Arno River is the Oltrarno Quarter. Translated, ‘Oltrarno’ means the ‘other side of the river’. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge is but a short walk to the Boboli Gardens and Fort Belvedere. For commanding views of Florence, head to the Piazzale Michelangelo and the medieval church, San Miniato al […]

April 5 2021

Savonarola and San Marco, Florence

Brendan Church, Florence, Italy, Renaissance history, Savonarola 6

Many years ago, I read a novel by George Eliot about a young girl called Romola living in Renaissance Florence. The story was about her life amid the religious upheavals of the 1490s. Much of the novel referred to the powerful Savonarola, the monk who coerced the Florentine people to abandon their material wealth for […]

December 30 2020

San Lorenzo and Medici Chapel in Florence

Brendan Church, Florence, Italy Church, Florence, Renaissance 21

Right in the middle of the market district in Florence is the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The basilica is one of the biggest and oldest churches in Florence. The basilica is the first consecrated church in the city, dating back to 393. The church we see today was also the parish church of the all-conquering […]

August 29 2020

An Afternoon in the Bargello Museum

Brendan Day trip, Florence, Renaissance Museum, Tuscany 42

The Bargello Museum, located in the Palazzo del Bargello, is a fantastic collection of Renaissance works of art and sculpture. The palazzo is a fortress with powerful embattlements that surround a somewhat austere façade. Once used as a prison from 1574, the palace dates back to the 13th century. The collection in the museum began […]

July 11 2020

The Oltrarno Quarter, Florence (Part 2)

Brendan Day trip, Florence, Tuscany Florence, Oltrarno, Tuscany 4

On the north side of the Arno River is the Oltrarno Quarter. Translated, ‘Oltrarno’ means the ‘other side of the river’. Crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge is but a short walk to the Boboli Gardens and Fort Belvedere. For commanding views of Florence, head to the Piazzale Michelangelo and the medieval church, San Miniato al […]

March 15 2020

The Oltrarno District, Florence (Part 1)

Brendan Day trip, Florence, Tuscany Oltrarno 9

On the north side of the Arno river is the Oltrarno Quarter. Translated, Oltrarno means the other side of the river. Easily reached by the famous medieval bridge the Ponte Vecchio, it is but a short walking distance to the Palazzo Pitti. There are some impressive churches to visit, as well as restaurants and enoteche […]

January 26 2020

San Gimignano, the medieval Manhattan of Tuscany

Brendan Day trip, San Gimignano, Tuscany San Gimignano, Tuscany 18

San Gimignano in Tuscany is a medieval hilltop town and is popular with tourists all year round. Tourists come to visit the Duomo, climb the famous towers and enjoy seasonal locally produced food, not to mention the gelato. San Gimignano is instantly recognisable from its fourteen medieval towers that can be seen for miles. I […]