Archive for 'Renaissance'

Holidays can be expensive things, particularly in large European cities such as Florence. Once you have found the perfect luxury villa near Florence to stay in, and have planned out all the big trips and delicious meals, you might find the pot a little light. If you want to enjoy the experience without having to worry about sticking to a budget, why not check out our list of things that you can do in the city for free so you can save a bit of money, without scrimping on the wonderful experiences that Florence has to offer?

Santa Maria del Fiore (the Cathedral of Florence, also known as the Duomo) is the main church and one of the most important buildings in the city. Begun in the 13th century in the Gothic style under the direction of Arnolfo di Cambio, it was not finished until the great Renaissance architect Brunelleschi came to create that famous and trailblazing soaring dome.

While there is no shortage of stunning buildings and architectural gems all across Italy, there are some rather special buildings among their number. These buildings and architectural ventures may be great works of art but they have aspects to their design, usage, ornamentation or origin stories that are fascinating, unique and rather bizarre. Continuing from our last post, here are some more of the strangest architectural feats in Italy.

The Renaissance gave birth to an endless list of extraordinary architectural gems and outstanding garden designs, such as the Villa Demidoff. Located about seven miles north of Florence, the gardens are home to many different sculptures, fountains and various other delights. The highlight, however, has to be the Appennine Colossus. Measuring about 35 feet tall, the Colossus is a personification of the Apennine mountain ranges, and is depicted as a blend between mountain and man, its smooth skin emerging out of the surrounding mountainous setting.

Michelangelo is one of the most famous artists in the western world, as has been the case since early on his career and will probably always be true. Born in the fifteenth century, he was a Florentine sculptor, painter, poet, architect and engineer who was prodigiously talented and the true definition of a Renaissance man. His work is now scattered across the globe but Florence and Rome remain the best places to see it.

If you are an art lover or a Michelangelo fan, in particular, be sure to find a holiday rental in Rome or luxury villa in Florence or both and track down some of his greatest works. We have gathered a list of some of them to help you out.

There are certain works that are must-sees, that are worth the lines and waiting. The Sistine Chapel, perhaps Michelangelo's most famous project, is one of these. It was completed under the patronage of three different popes and two bouts of painting over a total of ten years.

The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world. Originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560, its name comes from the Italian word for “offices”, as that is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.
More and more space was dedicated to the display of artworks over time until that became its primary function and then, in the sixteenth century, access was granted to visitors who requested it. In 1765, it was officially opened to public access and, today, it is one of the world's best known and most beloved art galleries. It houses works by many famous artists from all over the world but one of the highlights has to be the work of Titian.

The Renaissance gave birth to an endless list of extraordinary artworks, architectural gems and feats of ingenuity. In things such as garden design, in particular, some incredibly beautiful creations came to light in this period, one of which is the Villa Demidoff and its gardens. Located about seven miles north of Florence, the gardens are home to many different sculptures, fountains and various other delights but one of the highlights has to be the Appennine Colossus. Measuring about 35 feet tall, the Colossus is a personification of the Apennine mountain ranges, and is depicted as a blend between mountain and man, its smooth skin emerging out of the surrounding mountainous setting. This immense sculpture by the great Giambologna is actually even more fascinating than it appears at first glance; it is also a building, with chambers hidden inside, and a water feature. For lovers of the Renaissance, those interested in art and people intrigued by secret passageways and buildings, it is definitely a must-see. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make time to visit the gardens of Villa Demidoff to go in search of this exceptional gem.