Archive note: this article originally presented a guided-tour initiative promoted by FederAgit Florence. The date and registration information refer to the original event.
Rediscover Florence with licensed tour guides: from Michelangelo to Michelangelo
FederAgit Florence, the Federation of Tourist Guides of which I am a member, promoted an interesting initiative offering a series of free guided tours of Florence, all led by licensed tour guides. I was very pleased to take part and to contribute one of the itineraries: “From Michelangelo to Michelangelo”.
The walk was conceived as a journey through the history, art and urban identity of Florence, beginning at Piazzale Michelangelo and ending in the neighbourhood of Santo Spirito.
From Michelangelo to Michelangelo: an itinerary through Florence
At Piazzale Michelangelo, we begin with the history of Florence as it unfolds before us in its classical and geometric forms, in marble, terracotta, pietra serena and pietra forte. We also begin with Michelangelo: why was this square dedicated to the great master?
After this introduction, the itinerary pays tribute to Giuseppe Poggi, the architect of Florence as capital of Italy, who strongly supported the creation of one of the city’s most beloved gardens, the Rose Garden. Here magnificent flowers share the space with the poetic works of the great Belgian artist Folon, donated to Florence and placed in the garden.
After passing through Porta San Miniato and recalling the devastating flood of November 4, 1966, traces of which can still be found throughout the neighbourhood, we continue along Via San Niccolò and through the history of Florence’s left bank. Along the way we encounter remarkable artisan workshops such as those of Alessandro Dari, goldsmith, and perfumers Sileno Cheloni and Lorenzo Villoresi.
Via de’ Bardi welcomes us with stories of ancient families and palaces. From Piazza Santa Maria Soprarno, we remember the terrible wartime demolitions that, from here towards Ponte Vecchio and as far as Piazza Pitti, permanently changed the face of Florence’s Oltrarno.
Via Guicciardini leads us to Piazza Pitti. We then continue through streets filled with silversmiths, Florentine textiles and quality craftsmanship until we reach Piazza Santo Spirito.
Here we encounter Michelangelo once again. As a young man he found hospitality within the walls of the Augustinian convent of Santo Spirito and, in gratitude, created the magnificent wooden crucifix later rediscovered by art historian Margrit Lisner in 1962.
If you would like to discover Florence through art, history and its neighbourhoods on a private itinerary, you can learn more about my private guide service in Florence.
