Centre District, Florence, Italy

 


If you are a visitor to Florence, Italy you must be certain to spend some time in the Centre District. Many of the city’s most impressive sights are here in the center of the city, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see them for yourself. Conveniently, the district is not very spread-out, so you can see several fantastic landmarks within just a few blocks of each other. If you have only a day to spend in Florence, this would be an excellent place to spend it since you will be able to see so much in such a short time.
 
 
The Duomo, Centre District, Florence, ItalyThe Cathedral, otherwise known as the Duomo, is found in the center of Florence, along with the baptistry. Its proper title in English is the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower, and the cathedral reflects that lovely name. Along with the richly ornamental doors and the finely sculptured marble walls, the cathedral boasts 44 gorgeous stained glass windows created in the 1300s and 1400s. Construction on the cathedral began more than seven centuries ago, and several noted artists and architects had a hand in the design of this beautiful building whose golden dome towers over central Florence.

The Cathedral Square, or Piazza del Duomo, also includes the beautiful spectacle of Giotto’s Bell Tower, a splendid example of Gothic architecture, and the Museum of the Works of the Cathedral, which houses magnificent works of art connected with the cathedral, including the handiwork of Michaelangelo and Donatello. With its rich history, this is a definite must-see for any art enthusiast.


Another impressive sight in this district of Florence is the Ponte Vecchio, which is the bridge that stands over the Arno River. In addition to its structural beauty, which dates back to medieval times, the bridge is notable because it is lined with shops. While many bridges of that time were similarly lined with shops, that is not the case for many bridges that stand today, so it’s especially fun to wander these stores and buy the art, jewelry and souvenirs that is sold inside of them.

If you are planning a visit to Florence and looking for accommodation in the Centre District or all over the city, check out Oh-Florence where you can find a huge selection of apartments to suit your every need. Clearly, this central portion of Florence has a great deal to offer any visitor with a deep and abiding interest in art, culture and history, and its magnificence is such that it is likely to foster such an appreciation in others as well.

Share

Church of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy


 When traveling to Florence, Italy, you should consider a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Novella. The building’s history is vast with its architectural focus on Gothic design while the interior includes original art such as Masaccio’s “Trinita,” Giotto’s “Crucifix” and Ghirlandaio’s frescoes, which fill the Tornabuoni chapel.

Dominican friars built the original convent structure between 1279 and 1357. The building’s lower section is thought to have been completed by Fralacopo Talenti da Nipozzano, a Dominican architect. Also, Leon Battista Alberti completed the upper section almost 100 years later in 1470. Therefore, when you visit the church, you’ll be viewing the oldest church in Florence that contains its original architecture.Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy

Upon entering the building, you’ll be surprised at its size. Furthermore, the initial blueprint was allegedly designed by Brunelleschi, who created Duomo’s cupola. The “Trinita” painting will be on the far wall in front of you. This riveting masterpiece of Mary is one of the first paintings in the world to depict perspective. Also, the Mary painting presents her as an older mother instead of the young version you often see in religious artwork.

During the first years of the church, the walls were completely covered with frescoes. Unfortunately, during the 16th century, Vasari painted over them with orders from Cosimo de Medici. He even painted over the “Trinita.” However, the uncovering of the mural during the church’s refurbishment around 1860 encouraged expert restoration.


You’ll see the “Crucifix” painted by Giotto in the middle of the central nave since each crucifix he painted was meant to be placed in the same spot. Also, notice the space around the crucifix as you should remember the death of Christ when admiring the mural. Furthermore, the painting features incredible detail.

On the right side of the church’s main altar, you’ll see the Strozzi Chapel, which portrays scenes from the life of St. John the Evangelist. Painter Filippino Lippi is responsible for creating the beautiful murals. Additionally, he began working on the frescoes in 1487, but had to stop due to the Strozzi banishment. The painter finished his work in 1502, when the Strozzi came back to the city. Lippi died two year later making the frescoes one of his last pieces.

When visiting Florence, consider finding history away from the popular tourist attractions, and you’re sure to have an incredible experience that will belong just to you.

Share