I
n the (very) early hours of a frosty
January morning nine of us A level
historians set out in a minibus to kickstart
the new year with a two and a
half day trip to Florence. Under the
tutorage of Mr Lloyd and his father we
not only saw some of the greatest woks of art,
sculpture and architecture in the Western
world, we also had a unique opportunity to dip
into a foreign culture that is as diverting, "Ciao
Bella!", as it is different.
On our first afternoon we saw the marvellous
Baptistry doors by Ghiberti, as well as Giotto's
Campanile and finally the illustrious Cathedral,
topped by Brunelleschi's Duomo which we
climbed, seeing Florence clothed in twinkling
darkness. All of this was followed by a wellearned
pizza or carbonara and then an early
bed in our regal apartments. The next day we
saw Orsanmichele Church or the Guildhall,
where the famous St George by Donatello
stands. This not only illustrated the importance
of the guilds in Florence but also the progress
of style from statue to statue over the years.
Afterwards we saw the Palazzo della Signoria
and Santa Croce church, followed by the
harmonious Pazzi Chapel, again designed by
Brunelleschi. In the afternoon we went on to
the famous Uffizi gallery, where paintings by
Raphael, Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca
and Botticelli were on display; there were
particular gasps of wonder in front of the Birth
of Venus and the Primavera. We then sampled
the Florentine markets, buying pashminas or
woolly hats to keep out the cold, (whilst Mr
Lloyd bought a 'man bag') or simply relaxed
with a velvety hot chocolate in any of the
numerous cafés.
The second day saw us spanning the delights
of the Carmelite Church where we espied upon
Masaccio's frescoes in the Brancacci chapel;
we then whirled down to Santa Maria Novella
whose exterior is adorned with a famous façade
by Alberti and whose interior houses the
wondrous Trinity fresco by Masaccio. After this
momentous experience we crossed the river to
the quieter side of Florence to experience the
solemnity of Santa Spirito.
On the return journey we popped into San
Lorenzo, the Medici church, and then we
wondered at Michelangelo's Medici tombs in
the new Baptistery ? Church as well as the
numerous fur coats for sale. The next stop was
the Accademia gallery where great amusement
was derived from a screeching curator "NO
FOTO!!!!!!!" when cameras flicked out to record
the glory of Michelangelo's David, the symbol
of Florence. Afterwards we saw the modestly
beautiful creation that is the Innocenti Hospital.
So, a two and a half day twirl that saw all of
the major sights of Florence, that tasted gelatia
in the freezing cold of night, that walked in the
footsteps of historical legends. Good revision,
yes, but most of all a brilliant time, and the
typical comment: "it was lush" can be verified
on all accounts. So thank you Mr Lloyds junior
and senior, Mrs Hudson, from Alex, Milly, Alex,
Amanda, Georgie, Rosie, Ben, Louise and
Sarah all the names ? for a truly amazing and
memorable experience.
Aluredian
21
History
trip to
Florence
by
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