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 […]
The Oltrarno District, Florence (Part 1)
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 […]