Shrewd and ruthless, the Pucci were Medici loyalists whose political and cultural alignment with the most powerful family in Renaissance Florence was rewarded with wealth and influence. The Pucci family's martial support for the Medici in the ugly business of ruling Tuscany drove their transformation from a clan of minor guildsmen to a noble dynasty with three cardinals to its name. Over the next centuries, they showcased their exalted status with art and architecture that mirrored Medici tastes and reflected the values of civic humanism. The political and religious turmoil of the High Renaissance is writ large in this vivid portrait of the Pucci cardinals and their artistic patronage, a cultural biography inflected by the expulsion of the Medici from Florence, the Sack of Rome, the Reformation, and the occupation of Italy by Emperor Charles V. New archival evidence documents the chapels, palaces, and villas that were built, expanded, and decorated by the Pucci family in Rome, Tuscany, and Umbria. These celebrated projects were carried out by luminaries of Renaissance art and architecture: Michelozzo, the Pollaiuolo brothers, the Sangallo family, Baccio d'Agnolo, the Montelupo workshop, and others. A remarkable body of inventories reveals how the family's trials and tribulations shaped the fate of their estates and illustrates the role luxury goods played in the social ambitions of this newly-arrived family. Finally, a previously unknown catalogue of Palazzo Pucci tells the tale of the nineteenth-century dispersal of the family's priceless Renaissance artworks, a collection that once paralleled the splendor of the Medici court.
A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”
Florence − capital of Tuscany, birthplace of the Renaissance and a UNESCO Word Heritage Site − is shown in this book through the depictions of its architectural wealth, iconic monuments and its less well-known areas. From churches to museums, gardens to palaces, and small squares to twisting narrow streets, Fabrice Moireau has created a vivid portrait of the city where the Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci and Dante Alighieri once lived. The artist's palette reveals the grandeur of the history of Florence, as well as its charms and atmosphere.
Building the Italian Renaissance focuses on the competition to select a team to execute the final architectural challenge of the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore--the erection of its dome. Although the model for the dome was widely known, the question of how this was to be accomplished was the great challenge of the age. This dome would be the largest ever built. This is foremost a technical challenge but it is also a philosophical one. The project takes place at an important time for Florence. The city is transitioning from a High Medieval world view into the new dynamics and ideas and will lead to the full flowering of what we know as the Renaissance. Thus the competition at the heart of this game plays out against the background of new ideas about citizenship, aesthetics, history (and its application to the present), and new technology. The central challenge is to expose players to complex and multifaceted situations and to individuals that animated life in Florence in the early 1400s. Humanism as a guiding philosophy is taking root and scholars are looking for ways to link the mercantile city to the glories of Rome and to the wisdom of the ancients across many fields. The aesthetics of the classical world (buildings, plastic arts and intellectual pursuits) inspired wonder, perhaps even envy, but the new approaches to the past by scholars such as Petrarch suggested that perhaps the creative classes are not simply crafts people, but men of ideas. Three teams compete for the honor to construct the dome, a project overseen by the Arte Della Lana (wool workers guild) and judged by them and a group of Florentine citizens who are merchants, aristocrats, learned men, and laborers. Their goal is to make the case for the building to live up to the ideals of Florence. The game gives students a chance to enter into the world of Florence in the early 1400s to develop an understanding of the challenges and complexity of such a major artistic and technical undertaking while providing an opportunity to grasp the interdisciplinary nature of major public works.
In the nonfiction tradition of John Berendt and Erik Larson, the author of the #1 NYT bestseller The Lost City of the Monkey God presents a gripping account of crime and punishment in the lush hills surrounding Florence as he seeks to uncover one of the most infamous figures in Italian history. In 2000, Douglas Preston fulfilled a dream to move his family to Italy. Then he discovered that the olive grove in front of their 14th century farmhouse had been the scene of the most infamous double-murders in Italian history, committed by a serial killer known as the Monster of Florence. Preston, intrigued, meets Italian investigative journalist Mario Spezi to learn more. This is the true story of their search for--and identification of--the man they believe committed the crimes, and their chilling interview with him. And then, in a strange twist of fate, Preston and Spezi themselves become targets of the police investigation. Preston has his phone tapped, is interrogated, and told to leave the country. Spezi fares worse: he is thrown into Italy's grim Capanne prison, accused of being the Monster of Florence himself. Like one of Preston's thrillers, The Monster of Florence, tells a remarkable and harrowing story involving murder, mutilation, and suicide-and at the center of it, Preston and Spezi, caught in a bizarre prosecutorial vendetta.
Highlights: Quick access to official websites for bookings, current prices, tickets, reservations, extra information and much more Day Trips with destination overview, images, distance, highlights and more - for each day-trip Stunning Pictorials Maps and free quick access to extra filtered maps Written and published in 2024 80+ pages, 70+ vibrant, full-color pages Over 90+ meticulously curated entries featuring stunning images, invaluable tips, practical insights, and much more Up-to-date and triple-checked information for accuracy and reliability Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the Renaissance with "Unveiling Florence - Italy: Your Travel Guide to the Cradle of The Renaissance - Essentials Edition." This expertly crafted guide is your gateway to discovering Florence's unparalleled artistic heritage, its breathtaking landscapes, and the rich tapestry that weaves together its history, art, and culture. From the majestic Duomo to the timeless elegance of the Uffizi Gallery, our guide ensures that every moment in Florence is an encounter with beauty and inspiration. What Sets Our Florence Guide Apart: Newly Released in 2024: Receive the most current and engaging insights into Florence's vibrant heart, ensuring your journey is informed and unforgettable. Over 90 Entries Across 80+ Full-Color Pages: Immerse yourself in a visually stunning exploration of Florence, with each entry providing a gateway to the city's soul, from its iconic landmarks to hidden corners where history whispers tales of yore. Concise and Insightful: Our guide strikes the perfect balance, offering rich detail without overwhelming, ensuring a fluid and engaging reading experience. Dependable and Up-to-Date Information: Every recommendation and tip is triple-checked for accuracy, providing a reliable resource for planning your visit. Unbiased and Honest Recommendations: With no affiliations — no kickbacks, our sole commitment is to enhance your journey through Rome, offering genuine advice tailored to your interests. Why Our Guide is Essential for Your Florence Adventure: This guide goes beyond the traditional travel manual. It invites you to immerse yourself in the essence of Florence, where every street and building tells a story of human genius and creativity. Whether it's your first visit or a return to Florence's enchanting streets, we provide context and insights that transform simple sightseeing into an experience of deep cultural immersion. A Guide for Every Travel Enthusiast: The Ideal Gift: For art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the allure of the Renaissance, this guide is a treasure trove of discovery and wonder. For the Dreamers and Planners: Whether you're charting your next visit or dreaming of distant places, let our guide inspire your adventures with its beauty and depth. For the Connoisseurs of Beauty: With a guide as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative, enhance any collection, coffee table, or bookshelf, inviting exploration and conversation. Embrace Your Journey with Tailored Travel Guides: "Unveiling Florence - Italy: Your Travel Guide to the Cradle of The Renaissance - Essentials Edition" is more than a travel guide—it's your portal to an era of unparalleled artistry and innovation. Let us accompany you through Florence’s storied streets and into the heart of the Renaissance itself. Secure Your Copy Now: Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty, complexity, and vibrancy of Florence. With our guide in your hands, you're not just planning a trip—you're unlocking the very essence of the Renaissance. Discover Your Journey with Tailored Travel Guides!
This volume celebrates John M. Najemy and his contributions to the study of Florentine and Italian Renaissance history. Over the last three decades, his books and articles on Florentine politics and political thought have substantially revised the narratives and contours of these fields. They have also provided a framework into which he has woven innovative new threads that have emerged in Renaissance social and cultural history. Presented by his many students and friends, the essays aim to highlight his varied interests and to suggest where they may point for future studies of Florence and, indeed, beyond. -- Amazon.com.
Go beyond the facade of the palazzi and take a turn down the cobblestone side streets of Florence to discover vintage stores housing designer names, restaurants offering farm-to-table dishes and boutique hotels in 16th-century buildings. Lost in Florence is a comprehensive guide to the very best places to eat, drink, shop and explore in this magical city. Author Nardia Plumridge shares not only Florence's highlights, but also unlocks some of its secrets, so in no time you'll be living like a local. Full day itineraries help you navigate the best of the city, and the daytrip section to nearby Siena, Cinque Terre and the Chianti wine region allows you to make the most of your trip. Experience the best of the city and a bit of la dolce vita with Lost in Florence.
This edited collection provides the first comprehensive history of Florence as the mid-19th century capital of the fledgling Italian nation. Covering various aspects of politics, economics, culture and society, this book examines the impact that the short-lived experience of becoming the political and administrative centre of the Kingdom of Italy had on the Tuscan city, both immediately and in the years that followed. It reflects upon the urbanising changes that affected the appearance of the city and the introduction of various economic and cultural innovations. The volume also analyses the crisis caused by the eventual relocation of the capital to Rome and the subsequent bankruptcy of the communality which hampered Florence on the long road to modernity. Florence: Capital of the Kingdom of Italy, 1865-71 is a fascinating study for all students and scholars of modern Italian history.
Are you worried the only things you'll see in Florence are the massive crowds? Discover how to avoid the long lines and enjoy the city's best-kept secrets.If you fear wasting time waiting in long lines with hordes of tourists and are overwhelmed by the number of attractions in Florence, if you're struggling to fit in the top sights on your incredible vacation, this is the book for you. Best-selling Italy travel author and boutique tour guide Corinna Cooke has spent a lifetime studying the city's every secret. Now she shares her expert advice for exploring the cultural wonders of this amazing destination so you can avoid the jam-packed masses and soak up each stress-free moment.Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence: Insider Secrets To The Renaissance City is the ultimate guide to uncovering the real story of this fascinating historical icon. Catering to every possible desire, from uncrowded walks through the lives of Dante and Michelangelo to the author's favorite restaurants and specialty stores, you'll be immersed in the city's breathtaking heart and soul. See the hidden facets of Florence missed by so many and be invigorated by one of the world's most beautiful locales.In Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence, you'll discover: - Clear strategies for enjoying the big sights without the anxiety of long wait-times- Little known locations and the juicy stories behind them that bring the city to life- Palaces, piazzas, museums, and churches off the beaten track that exude Florentine culture- The best markets, shops, restaurants, and fascinating places you simply must sample- A "What's Nearby?" section for every site to help you maximize your time, tips to fit everything into your day, and much, much more!Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence is the third exhilarating book in the Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy series. If you like genuine history, passionate guides, and being an in-the-know visitor, then you'll love Corinna Cooke's eye-opening resource
