Tag: Florentine Museums

Construction of the Santa Maria del Carmine church began in 1268 with the financial help of the Comune of Florence and its wealthiest families. It was finally completed in 1475, although the west facade of the church was in fact never finished. In 1771, a devastating fire broke out and destroyed most of the church. They say it was a miracle that the Brancacci chapel was spared. It is not the

The Forte Belvedere was commissioned by the Grand Duke Ferninand I and realized by Bernardo Buontalenti over a five year period from 1590 to 1595. Although fortifications serve to protect a city, it was also a demonstration of Florence's wealth and capabilities and a testement to the power and prestige of the Medici Family. The location was not just selected for its vantage point over the city but because Ferdinand

Originally built in the 14th century for the Compagnia della Misericordia, the Loggia del Bigallo can be found in the heart of Florence in piazza del Duomo. The building holds great importance in Florence, not only because of its history but also due to its position and vicinity to the Duomo. It features prominantly in photos and makes up part of the panorama of Piazza Duomo. Its function was to

Did you know that Palazzo Vecchio is located in Piazza della Signoria which together with Piazza del Duomo are the most important squares in Florence? Church and State! At the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio, visitors are greeted by the sculptures of Adam and Eve, the copy of Michelangelo's David, and Hercules and Cacus. Inside, the Salone del Cinquecento is more than impressive, 170ft long and 75ft wide, decorated with enormous

The Stefano Bardini Museum, named after Stefano Bardini himself was the most authoritative Italian antiquarian. He eventually transformed his collection into a museum and donated it to the City of Florence. Stefano Bardini also organized a collection of works of art for love and passion to the Renaissance. Thanks to him, and his interest in Renaissance architectural decorations, stucco sculptures and terracotta sculptures were rediscovered. Today, the museum houses diverse