A Destination and Historical Guide to Florence - City of Treasures
A Destination and Historical Guide to Florence - City of Treasures
So influential was Florence on European culture that in 1300, Pope Boniface VIII called Aristotle wrong, saying that the universe was made out of five elements, not four: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Florentines.
In Florence works of art were even created to house their great works of art. Wonderful art galleries like the Uffizi and the Accademia showcase the best pieces from such household names as Leonardo, Donatello, and Botticelli. The contribution of Florentines to literature was just as impressive as to art. Writers such as Boccaccio, Dante and Petrarch were responsible for bringing the vernacular to European speech. Before they began to write in Tuscan, Latin had been the common language in Europe. This also influenced writers abroad such as Chaucer who famously used vernacular in his work.
Florence was the most powerful city in Europe for a quarter of a decade between the 14th and the 16th century. It was once even briefly Italy's capital, but that honour now lies with Rome. Florence gave the world modern currency in the shape of the Florin and some of the most incredible buildings ever erected, such as the Basilica di Santa Croce, Giotto's Campanile and Brunelleschi's dome. Not only did Florence's great wealth contribute to its own wondrous development, but the city was responsible for financing many of the industrial movements in Europe and also the English effort during the Hundred Years War. Great explorers came from Florence too including Amerigo Vespucci, a mapmaker after whom the Americas are named, and Paulo del Pozzo Toscanelli who created the map upon which Columbus based his voyage of discovery.
It was the Florentine architects Brunelleschi and later Leon Batist'Alberti who did the most to invent Renaissance architecture and the neoclassical style. Without them major cities through Europe including Moscow, Paris and London would not look the way they do now.
To walk through Florence is to be very conscious of the forces that shaped the city's history. Almost everywhere you look you can see the Medici family crest of six balls, as much a symbol of power as the towering Gothic architecture and Romanesque Baptistery they had build. Another great Florentine, Machiavelli, came up with an infamous theory of political practice after which a whole philosophical movement was coined.
Today Florence is still a very stylish city and this capital of Tuscany is filled with swanky boutiques and elegant coffee shops. They provide something of a respite from the dazzling works of art which are everywhere.
Ric Rubichello lives in the city of Milan but has been traveling through Italy via Car Hire Italy to develop content. He chose to write about Florence and Car Hire Florence as Renaissance art has been a life-long passion of his. Hoping to travel in style, he though that a convertible vehicle would be the best bet for his trip. The trip was free thanks to an unlimited mileage offer and although there were no problems on the road it was reassuring to know that he could call for roadside assistance at ant time if there was a breakdown. Italy - An Overview for Travelers Types of Harwood Flooring in Vancouver, Washington Why Croatia has become a top holiday destination Having Fun on Your Wales Holidays How Does a Travel Agency Work? Marquee Hire London Enjoying Your Wales Holidays on a Budget Australian General Skilled Migration & English Proficiency Tour Operators in India Offering Kerala Tour Packages ! Tips on Having the Best Fishing Trips in Abu Dhabi Flag Crafts to Celebrate Patriotic Holidays and Events Day Trip to Jerusalem Israel from Hurghada by flight via Taba, Hurghada trips Perfect India Tours- benefit of value and time