We started off our day by visiting the San Miniato al Monte church outside of the main city of Florence. Considered one of the Florence’s most beautiful churches, it offered more insight into Renaissance architecture. We saw pillars that were made of faux marble and paint that was made to look like marble to mimic what other artists were doing at the time.
We went to the Galileo museum, which housed not only many early astronomical devices and charts, but also many of the devices used in early electrical and chemical experiments. This provided an interesting contrast to the Leonardo da Vinci museums, which were focused on mechanical innovation.
In the Santa Felicita church, we spent our short time admiring one work of art by Pontormo. What action was being shown was unclear, but it was so significant because its fluorescent colors really influenced the way artists used colors in frescoes during the Renaissance.
Our trip to Florence was unforgettable. From getting little to no sleep on the plane ride to Florence, to walking several miles every day through the beautiful city, to getting sick, and to eating delicious food, coming to Florence was a memorable and meaningful experience. We saw frescoes, paintings, buildings, and sculptures from so many different artists including Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Vasari, and Donatello. This experience did not just expose us to a bunch of paintings. Instead, it was a way to learn how art evolved over different centuries and highlighted one of the most significant art movements in history. The only thing we’re sad about is having to go back to American pizza and pasta, which will never compare to real Italian food.