Here’s my guide to visiting Pienza Italy, a stunning UNESCO-listed town in Tuscany. You’ll find all the top attractions and best things to do in Pienza. Pienza is located in the gorgeous Val d’Orcia region of central Tuscany, where cypress trees line winding roads and sun-bleached valleys. Pienza is known as the first “ideal Renaissance … Read more
If you’re seeking a brief history of Florence to prepare for your visit, look no further. Known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a captivating city that left an indelible mark on art, culture, and politics. With its rich history spanning nearly 3,000 years, Florence traces its origins back to 59 B.C. as … Read more
Donatello, born Donato di Nicolo di Betto Bardi, was the most influential and innovative sculptor of the 15th century. He essentially invented Renaissance sculpture and had a profound effect on Michelangelo and later generations of Renaissance artists. Donatello moved away from Gothic depictions and re-introduced elements from classical Greco-Roman sculpture, which he had studied in … Read more
Are you planning a trip to Florence, Italy? With so many incredible sights to see, you might be wondering if Casa Buonarroti is worth adding to your itinerary. Let me tell you, it absolutely is! Casa Buonarroti is a hidden gem among Florence’s museums. Once owned by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the famous Renaissance artist, this property … Read more
Here’s my guide to the 16 most beautiful churches in Florence Italy. These church are some of the most stunning attractions in Florence, perfect for art lovers. When it comes to art and architecture, Florence is a powerhouse. Florence is home to some of the world’s most beautiful churches from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance … Read more
Giorgio Vasari was a renowned Florentine architect, artist, and art historian who left an indelible mark on the High Renaissance era. His influence on the world of art and architecture is immeasurable. Vasari’s most famous work is his book, The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects. It established him as the world’s … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the remarkable Baptistery of St. John in Florence Italy. The Baptistery sits in front of the main facade of Florence Cathedral. Dating from 1059, the Baptistery is over a thousand years old. Incredibly ancient, especially compared to American standards. The only other structure this old in Florence is the Church … Read more
Looking for a history of the Medici family? You’ve come to the right place! The Medici family of Florence holds a prominent place in history as the unrivaled dynasty of the Renaissance period. They were not only renowned but also held immense power during that time. When people think of Florence, they think of the … Read more
“My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.” — Artemisia Gentileschi to her art patron Don Antonio Ruggo Here’s my guide to the compelling life of Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi and her most important masterpieces. I bet you’ve never heard of Artemisia Gentileschi, am I right? She was one of the … Read more
Here’s my guide to seeing Piero della Francesca’s magnificent fresco cycle, The Legend of the True Cross. The fresco cycle is located in the lovely little Tuscan town of Arezzo, in the three story main chapel of the Basilica of San Francesco. Arezzo is only 30 miles south of Florence, so the town is one … Read more