A Tour Through My Florence

Let's start the tour at Santa Maria Novella Train station (SMN). This is the main train station in Florence and is located in the northwest part of the city. It is named after the nearby church of Santa Maria Novella, which is a beautiful example of early Renaissance architecture. The church is known for its stunning frescoes, marble facade, and elegant cloisters.

San Frediano (in Cestello) is always a great subject for a painting form this side of the Arno River.

The church is a striking baroque church located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, near the Arno River. It is dedicated to Saint Fridianus (San Frediano), a 6th-century bishop of Lucca, and the term Cestello refers to its association with the nearby monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli, once called Cestello.

The current church was rebuilt in the late 17th century in the Baroque style, replacing an earlier structure. Its façade is unadorned, but the interior is richly decorated with stucco work, frescoes, and altarpieces typical of the Baroque period.

The church's prominent dome, designed by Antonio Maria Ferri, is a recognizable feature of the Florence skyline, visible from many vantage points around the city.

Inside, the church houses notable artworks, including a painting of Saint Jerome in the Desert by Jacopo Vignali and other significant baroque-era works.

Monastic Origins: San Frediano in Cestello was originally part of a Cistercian monastery, reflecting its spiritual and scholarly heritage. Although the monastery no longer exists in its original form, its history is deeply intertwined with the church.

_personalThe curch is probably my favorite one in Florence, perhaps also because it's location along the giver which gives you the chance to look at it with some distance.

Piazza Santo Spirito is a lively and bohemian square in Florence’s Oltrarno district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic local charm. At its heart stands the Basilica of Santo Spirito, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The square is surrounded by a mix of historic buildings, artisan workshops, and bustling cafés and restaurants, making it a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors. By day, it hosts a market offering fresh produce and crafts, while by night, it transforms into a hub of social activity with street performances and a relaxed, lively vibe.

Palazzo Pitti is a grand Renaissance palace in Florence, located on the south bank of the Arno River in the Oltrarno district. Originally built in the mid-15th century for the wealthy Pitti family, it was later purchased by the Medici family, becoming their primary residence. The palace's monumental design, attributed to architect Filippo Brunelleschi and executed by his pupil Luca Fancelli, reflects the power and influence of its owners.

Today, Palazzo Pitti is a cultural treasure, housing multiple museums, including the Palatine Gallery, showcasing masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, and Rubens, and the Gallery of Modern Art. Behind the palace lies the magnificent Boboli Gardens, an iconic example of Italian garden design. Palazzo Pitti's rich history, art collections, and stunning architecture make it one of Florence’s most important landmarks.

The Vasari Corridor (yellow) is an elevated, enclosed passageway in Florence, Italy, connecting the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. Designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1565, it was commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici to provide a private route between the Medici family's residence and the government offices. The corridor spans about 1 kilometer, crossing the Arno River via the top of the Ponte Vecchio and offering stunning views of the city. It also houses an impressive collection of self-portraits and artworks, making it a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and art.

The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is one of the most renowned art museums in the world, located in Florence, Italy. Originally designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de’ Medici, the building was intended as administrative offices (uffizi means "offices" in Italian) for Florence's government. Over time, it became a repository for the Medici family's vast art collection.

Today, the Uffizi houses masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Highlights include Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Primavera. Its iconic architecture, with a long, elegant courtyard that opens to the Arno River, adds to the museum’s grandeur, making it a cultural and artistic treasure of Florence.

On the right of the painting you still see the Vasari Corridor leading to the Uffizi.

This is a street at the back exit of the Uffizi. The Street heading off to the right is Via de Neri with many Scchiaccatterie (typical florentine sandwich shops).

The Loggia dei Lanzi, also known as the Loggia della Signoria, is a remarkable open-air sculpture gallery located in Piazza della Signoria. Built between 1376 and 1382, it served as a platform for public ceremonies and assemblies during the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. Its elegant arches and harmonious design are a fine example of Gothic architecture transitioning into early Renaissance style.

The Rape of the Sabines is a renowned marble sculpture created by Giambologna (Jean de Boulogne) in 1583. It is a masterpiece of Mannerist art, celebrated for its dynamic composition, technical virtuosity, and emotional intensity.

It depicts a dramatic scene from Roman mythology in which the early Romans abduct women from the neighboring Sabine tribes to ensure the survival of their fledgling society. The piece is a tour-de-force of spiraling motion, with three figures—a young woman being lifted, the Roman man seizing her, and an older man cowering below—intertwined in a complex vertical composition. Giambologna achieved a sense of fluidity and movement by designing the sculpture to be viewed from multiple angles, with no single "front."

Interestingly, Giambologna did not initially conceive the work with this specific narrative in mind; the title and mythological association were added later, making it a prime example of art inspiring a story rather than the reverse. It remains one of the most celebrated examples of late Renaissance sculpture.

Always amazed by this scuplture, the way how people are robbed from our lifes (be it in an absolutely different context!) made it have a completely different impact on me this year.

Piazza della Signoria is the political and historical heart of Florence, renowned for its architectural beauty and iconic artworks. Dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the square has been a center of power since the Middle Ages. Surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés, Piazza della Signoria is a vibrant testament to Florence’s cultural legacy.

The Bargello, officially known as the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, is one of Florence’s most important museums, housed in a fortress-like medieval palace. Originally built in the 13th century as a city hall and later used as a prison, the building features a distinctive crenellated tower and a central courtyard with Gothic arches.

Today, the Bargello is renowned for its extraordinary collection of Renaissance sculptures, including masterpieces by Donatello, Michelangelo, Cellini, and Giambologna. Highlights include Donatello’s David, Michelangelo’s Bacchus, and Giambologna’s Mercury. The museum also showcases decorative arts such as ceramics, textiles, and weapons.

The Bargello’s rich history and unparalleled art collection make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Florence’s artistic heritage.

The Duomo of Florence, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Its most striking feature is the massive dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, an engineering marvel of its time. The cathedral’s intricate façade is adorned with white, green, and pink marble, and its adjacent bell tower, designed by Giotto, and Baptistery of San Giovanni complete the iconic complex. Inside, visitors can marvel at Vasari’s frescoes of The Last Judgment and climb to the dome for breathtaking views of Florence. The Duomo stands as a symbol of the city’s artistic and architectural brilliance.

When I'm painting in the streets of Forence I often overhear the tour guides telling the story of the respective spots. Two interesting things I learned about the Duomo this way is that 1) (according to that one tour guide) the inside of it is not as impressive as the outside, as most of the art was taken out of it due to the flooding in 1966 and is now located in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and 2) behind the Duomo there is a white marble circle in the pavement indicating the spot where the golden ball located on the top of the dome of the Duomo landed as it fell down after being struck by lightning in 1600.

As i had just started this paiting it started to pur down. I found shelter close to one of the restaurant in the square and then painted most of the painting from memory and imagination.

Piazza della Repubblica is one of Florence's main squares, rich in history and a hub of activity. Originally the site of the city’s Roman forum, it later became part of the medieval market district and a Jewish ghetto. In the 19th century, during Florence’s brief period as the capital of a united Italy, the area was extensively redeveloped as part of urban modernization efforts, which included the demolition of many historic structures.

Today, the square is an elegant open space, surrounded by grand neoclassical buildings, luxury hotels, and iconic cafés like Caffè Gilli and Caffè Paszkowski, both historic establishments that were popular with artists and intellectuals. At its center stands the Column of Abundance (Colonna dell’Abbondanza), marking the site of the ancient Roman forum. The piazza exudes a lively atmosphere, hosting street performers, musicians, and visitors, making it a vibrant meeting point in the heart of Florence.

This is one of the few nocturnal paintings I did. I tried to capture just the lights and leave everything else to darkness and soft transitions so that it's up to your mind to define the rest.

The carousel in Piazza della Repubblica is a charming and iconic feature of the square, adding a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to the bustling heart of the city. Operated by the Picci family for generations, this vintage carousel is adorned with ornate, hand-painted panels depicting Florentine landmarks, intricate golden details, and twinkling lights.

It features beautifully crafted wooden horses and carriages, all meticulously decorated, making it a favorite for both children and adults. Set against the backdrop of the historic piazza, surrounded by elegant cafés and shops, the carousel provides a delightful contrast to Florence's grand Renaissance architecture, offering a magical moment in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Another of my favorite spots to paint at is the view along Via degli Strozzi to the arch giveing access to Piazza della Repubblica.

Late in the year the sun often doesn't manage to reach the ground of the narrow streets in Florence anymore. Therefor spectacular shadow shapes appear on the walls.

The Odeon Cinema is a historic and architecturally stunning movie theater located in Piazza Strozzi. Opened in 1922, it is housed within the Palazzo dello Strozzino, a Renaissance palace dating back to the 15th century. The cinema's design masterfully combines classical elegance with Art Deco influences, featuring a grand hall with a vaulted ceiling, intricate frescoes, and opulent chandeliers.

Renowned for its charm and atmosphere, the Odeon offers a unique film-watching experience, often screening movies in their original language with subtitles. It's not just a cinema but also a cultural hub, hosting film festivals, special events, and premieres. Its location in the heart of Florence makes it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, blending the magic of cinema with the city's rich history.

This is just a random building in Florence (probably not, but I have no idea what it is), but I liked the strong shadows cast on it in late November and how some sunlight manged to light up the red flags.

Next to it is the famous Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, often informally called the Loggia del Porcellino, is a charming historic marketplace in Florence, located near Piazza della Repubblica and Ponte Vecchio. It was constructed in the mid-16th century during the reign of Cosimo I de' Medici, designed by architect Giovanni Battista del Tasso, to host the trade of luxury goods like silk and gold.

The nickname "Loggia del Porcellino" comes from the famous bronze fountain of a wild boar (Il Porcellino), located at one corner of the loggia. The sculpture, a 17th-century work by Pietro Tacca, is a beloved symbol of Florence. According to tradition, rubbing the boar's snout and placing a coin in its mouth ensures good luck and a return to Florence.

Today, the loggia is a bustling spot for tourists, offering a market with leather goods, souvenirs, and artisanal crafts.

Just next to the Loggia is this yellow house. I have (unsuccessfully) tried to paint it several times, especially in the afternoon light when the shadows move across it in a beautiful way. I'm really happy with this outcome.

Piazza della Santissima Annunziata is one of Florence’s most elegant and harmonious squares, located just a short walk from the Duomo. It is named after the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata, which dominates one end of the piazza and is a spiritual and architectural centerpiece.

The square is an outstanding example of urban planning, characterized by its symmetry and proportion. It reflects Renaissance ideals of order and harmony, making it one of Florence’s most aesthetically pleasing public spaces.

Over the centuries, the piazza has served as a gathering place for religious processions, markets, and festivals. Today, it remains a vibrant area, popular with locals and tourists.

Especially the yellow bar "UnCaffe - Da i' Sardo" is always well frequented and the yellow wall offers a great contrast to the otherwise relatively gray square.