We travelled to Florence with our 13-month-old Kidsetter in tow. We had rented a small apartment in the heart of Florence. Our Kidsetter has never been one to fall asleep in a pram, train, bus, car etc. This can make it tricky when travelling and accommodating nap time. Hiring an apartment in the centre of Florence helps alleviate the ‘mother’s guilt’ of knowing your Kidsetter desperately needs a nap (for everyone’s sake) and can easily head back to the apartment.
Florence is a city in central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region. Originating as a Roman city, and later, flourished as a trading and banking medieval commune becoming one of the wealthiest cities of that era. Florence was home to the Medici, one of European history’s most important noble families. We visited the Medici palace and the splendor astonished us. A particular stand out – the Chapel’s mural painting. Wow !
Meandering the streets of Florence, we were overwhelmed by the beauty around every corner. Delightful cobbled streets, markets, and Renaissance statues abound. Whilst wandering the city an Italian girl approached our Kidsetter. She was very welcoming and wanted to introduce herself. An adorable interaction !
Naturally whilst in Florence we had to visit The Galleria dell’Accademia to view the famous, ‘Statue of David’ by Michelangelo. It felt surreal to be in the same room with this iconic statue. Our Kidsetter enjoyed the ambiance.
Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages”, which lasted from 1450–1527. While Medieval art focused on basic story telling of the Bible, Renaissance art focused on naturalism and human emotion. Medieval art was abstract, rigid, and mostly produced by monks whereas Renaissance art was rational, mathematical, individualistic, consisted of linear perspective and shading, and produced by specialists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael.
Florence plays an important role in Italian fashion, and is ranked in the top 15 fashion capitals of the world. There are many leather shops selling jackets, handbags, shoes, belts, bracelets & key rings.
The best-known site of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as The Duomo. The dome, 600 years after its completion, is still the largest dome built in brick and mortar in the world. The centre of the city is contained in medieval walls that were built in the 14th century to defend the city. The Palazzo Vecchio as well as the Duomo, are the two buildings which dominate Florence’s skyline.
While not suitable for small Kidsetters, the climb up inside the dome is a must so we took it in turns. The painting on the inside of the dome was a stunning surprise. The view from the top of the dome was worth the effort to climb up – stunning !
We visited the famous Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge); the most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts. We enjoyed viewing the endless jewellery shops, peering in the windows.
The river Arno, which cuts through the old part of the city, is as much a character in Florentine history as many of the people who lived there. Historically, the locals have had a love-hate relationship with the Arno – which alternated between nourishing the city with commerce, and destroying it by flood.
Our apartment was located near to The Palazzo Vecchio which is Florence’s town hall and also an art museum. As it was Summer, we enjoyed many an evening, listening to live Orchestral performances.
The Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria was a great place to sit and admire the number of statues by other sculptors such as Donatello, Giambologna, Ammannati and Cellini whilst listening to the beautiful music.
We visited the Uffizi gallery, which displays a very large collection of international and Florentine art. We viewed many famous paintings such as Michaelangelo’s ‘The Holy Family’, ‘Annunication’ and Botticelli’s painting ‘The Birth of Venus’ plus many more.
People of this age began to understand themselves as human beings, which reflected in art. The Renaissance marked the rebirth of classical values in art and society as people studied the ancient masters of the Greco-Roman world; Art became focused on realism as opposed to idealism.
Although our Kidsetter was too young to absorb the rich history, he could enjoy the liveliness, stunning art and delightful ambiance. Florence is a marvelous city that leaves you feeling alive and enthused. Kidsetters alike will be inspired as to what they may create for their world ?
