The religious centre of Florence, where the great dome and the rich polychrome marbles of the Duomo, the bell tower and the Baptistery are the protagonists of this unique square. We will learn about the curiosities of these monuments, their history and that of the artists who created them.
We will enter to admire the precious golden mosaics of the Baptistery and visit the Museum, with the famous Gate of Paradise, the exciting Pietà by Michelangelo, the sculptures by Donatello and the great room dedicated to the construction of the dome.
Entering you are immediately greeted by the great wall with the names of all the artists who took part in the construction and decoration of the Cathedral complex, including Brunelleschi, Donatello, Ghiberti, Giotto but also the name of the great Michelangelo. In fact, perhaps not everyone knows that the artist, at the age of 26, sculpted the David in these very rooms because it was destined for the decoration of the Cathedral. This space was used for centuries as a temporary repository for sculptures, those created for the Cathedral, but also for those that were replaced due to the changing tastes of the times. As for example in 1587, when the entire medieval facade was dismantled to be rebuilt completely new at the end of the 19th century.
In the museum you can admire the original doors of the Baptistery, including the famous Door of Paradise, nicknamed so by Michelangelo who, finding himself in front of the work, was enraptured by the beauty of its reliefs embellished with gold leaf. The museum then dedicates a room to the builder of the dome, Filippo Brunelleschi, where you can understand his difficulties, the technique used and learn about some of the original tools he created for the great undertaking.
The museum also offers a breathtaking view from its terrace where you can observe the dome from a few meters away, giving the feeling you can almost touch it. But one of the most admired works in the museum is Michelangelo's Pietà Bandini, one of the last sculptures the artist made at a very old age in Rome, when he began to think about his death and his sepulchral monument. But he never wanted to finish it, in fact he tried to destroy it!
Entrances are included in the tour, but when booking you can customize the tour according to your needs and interests.
Some suggestions to enrich your visit:
Basilica of the Holy Cross
Bargello Museum
Walk among the monuments
Contact me to create a personalized itinerary together that meets your interests and needs.
