Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

  

Sala Madornale
Palazzo Davanzati is a Florentine palace that was actually built by the Davizzi family in the middle of the 14th century but carries the name of the Davanzati family, who bought the property in 1578 and lived there until 1838. Sadly, it was then broken up into apartments and allowed fall into ruin. Then, in 1904, it came into the possession of Elia Volpi, an antique dealer who restored and furnished the palace. He opened it to the public in 1910 as Museum of the Old Florentine House. The state purchased the palace in 1951 and, after some alterations, reopened it once more to the public in 1956.

Beautiful and featuring some interesting works of art, it is most important and fascinating as an insight into Renaissance life. It aims at reconstructing the setting of an old Florentine home, with furniture and household tools from the 14th to the 19th centuries: bedrooms display chests full of linen and cots, the bathroom showcases early indoor plumbing and the kitchen features a fireplace with bellows and two turnspits, a wooden bread-kneading machine, a metal butter churn and other tools from various periods.     Read More

  

Beach
Sadly, the title of these posts will have ruined the ending of the story, however, the details still make it worthy of being told. We discussed the rather tumultuous life and times of the great Italian painter Caravaggio in the last post. In it, we learned about how, while he may be remembered for his art, his murkier history is often overlooked today. A bit of a bad boy who was fond of brawling and drinking, one of his disagreements went too far and ended up in murder, causing Caravaggio to spend the latter years of his life on the run for his crimes.     Read More

  

Portrait
Caravaggio is mostly remembered as a genius and great Italian painter today but that was not the only image that he has ever had. While his skill was recognised in his own lifetime, it was paired with a bit of a reputation as a bad boy. He was fond of drinking and gambling, was known to have rather drastic mood swings and was prone to violence. In fact, he was often found brawling in different establishments.     Read More

  

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Lucca is a beautiful city in Tuscany. Historic, well-preserved and pretty, there is lots to see and do and a wealth of culture and art. Merely wandering the lovely streets and soaking up the unique atmosphere is enough of an activity to please many. However, if you are having a wander, there is one particular area that we suggest you check out.     Read More

  

Medici Chapel
The Medici were bankers, unofficial princes of Florence, then official rulers of the city and one of the greatest dynasties Italy has ever seen. Their stamp remains all over the country but it is most evident and visible in Florence, where they were incredible patrons of the arts. As they were of, ruled and designed the city, many were, of course, laid to rest there as well. One of the most important burial sites for the family are the Cappelle Medicee (or Medici Chapels), two structures at the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, and built as extensions to Brunelleschi's 15th-century church to celebrate and accommodate the Medici family, the chapels consist of the Sagrestia Nuova, (or New Sacristy) designed by Michelangelo, and the 17th century Cappella dei Principi.

The Sagrestia Nuova was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de' Medici and Pope Leo X, his cousin, to be a mausoleum for members of the Medici family.     Read More