Florence, Italy

Any understanding of the Renaissance cannot be complete without a trip to Florence. The city presents a unique opportunity to examine the art and architecture from the late 14th to the early 16th century. The artistic and architectural production from this period is astounding. It was a unique period in the history of the world, producing magnificent pieces that artists and architects still flock to study and enjoy over half a millennium later.

The economic and political stability of the Renaissance period allowed artisans to develop. Artists’ desire to create was matched by their patrons’ abilities to afford the timeless masterpieces crafted by these masters. The synergy between artists and patrons resulted in an explosion of creativity and design not seen in the Western world since the Romans.

Embracing innovation led to breakthroughs in design and building methods evidenced by Filippo Brunelleschi’s massive dome built atop Florence’s cathedral in the 1430’s. Painters developed new painting techniques, moving away from the somber renderings of religious material by earlier masters to more vibrant depictions of daily life and the human condition. The addition of perspective also added to the realism we see in painting from this period.

The Renaissance saw the coming together of several genius talents who built upon one another to create works of art and to discover scientific principles we continue to benefit from today. During this time Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Donatello, Botticelli, Titian, and Bellini created masterworks of painting and sculpture many would say were unrivaled until the time of the Impressionists. Their works today can command over $100 million at auction. Thankfully, most are available for the public to see at museums around the world, but Florence offers the unique advantage of seeing and enjoying masterpieces of art and architecture in the place where they were made. Your children can gain a unique perspective on this time period by walking the streets and visiting the locations that inspired these artists and thinkers.

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, economically benefited from the surrounding fertile ground that was perfect for producing extra virgin olive oil and now world famous red wines: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. A trip to Florence not only offers the potential of spectacular views of this wine-growing region, but also an opportunity to understand the challenges faced by vintners and solutions they have developed over time using the science of viticulture.

In addition to a valuable artistic education, Florence will also expose your children to a unique cultural experience. Europeans would say: Americans live to work, and Italians work to live. Your children will make great strides in becoming citizens of the world while enjoying this vibrant, fun-loving region and culture. Working closely with your travel expert will not only ensure a fulfilling, enlightening, memorable experience for your family, but will also help you to gain access to the most popular sights such as Michelangelo’s David. Experience Florence and your family will gain insight and inspiration from a culture that has impacted the artistic and philosophical course of the world.

Learning Opportunities:

  • Experience and enjoy masterworks of Renaissance art in the location they were created.
  • Develop an understanding of the Renaissance only possible in Florence.
  • Learn more about the humanist movement and its focus on human culture and experience.
  • Gain insight into the complex relationships between the arts, philosophy, and religion, and the impact each has had on the other.
  • Study the techniques used by Renaissance architects to solve the problems of structural integrity while creating massive works of art.
  • Study the techniques developed by Renaissance artists to bring more realism into their works.

Contact a travel expert. Florence is special and an expert can arrange for you to get the most out of your visit.

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