If you are interested in history, you can find in Florence many interesting books about some relevant personages (architects, scluptors, painters, kings), and families. One of these families were the Medicis.
The Medicis were an Italian familiy very well known and prestigious, they ruled Florence for three hundred years, although in some periods, the political struggle forced them to give up the power. From Cosimo the Elder (1389-1464) until Juan Gastón (1671-1737), the last king of the dinasty, the familiy live in Florence, not only the age of the splendor but also the decadence times. Then in all Europe appeared the national states, and the market economy.
I personally admire three of the Medicis, Cosimo the Elder, Lorenzo The Magnificient, and Catherine de Medicis.
I admire Cosimo the Elder because he was interested in the artistic and cultural development of the city, to the point that he founded the first public library in Europe in 1444, thirty years in advance of the Vatican library.
But the most relevant figuere in the history of Florence will be Lorenzo the Magnificient, with his rich and complex personality, Florence became the capital of art and culture from Europe.
Thanks to the circle of writers and artists living in the court of Lorenzo The Magnificient, The Humanism and the Renaissance will radiate from Florence to Europe, and these new ideas will deeply influence the history of the next two centuries.
Lorenzo had a passion for literature, fine arts, philosophy, and he was also a shrewd political, like his grandfather Cosimo the Elder pursued a policy both of maintaining peace, and a balance of power.
Lorenzo's court included artists such as Piero, Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo Buonarroti, among others.
Arriving in Ponte Vecchio early in the afternoon, you have time to see the Renaissance city, the charming shops and to buy...a few books.
One of the many intersting books that you can find in the city is "The Medicis" written by Franco Cesati, who was born in Verona in 1958. He lives in Florence right now, and he has been interested in the history and traditons of the city for many years. He is an editor and advertising journalist, and was ediorial director of the monthly magazine"Firenze ieri oggi e domani", he currently heads the "Rassegna europea di letteratura italiana". He has also published Le strade di Firenze (1994), Le piazze di Firenze (1995), Firence, guida insolita e misteriosa (1999) among other books.
Another interesting character of the Medicis family was Catherine de Medicis, she became king of France, and always tried to maintain the unity of the country, in spite of the wars between Catholics and Protestants. She brought to the French royal court many Italian artists. Catherine de Medicis also introduced in France, Italian perfumes, the use of fork on the table, and many delicious Italian recipes. On a personal level with her strong character, she could stand the infidelities of her weak husband with Diana de Poitiers, and also to manage the country in a very difficult moments. Catherine was a cultivated person, also dedicated to the education of her children, who later bacame Kings of France.
As she was a relevant figure in the history of Florence, you can find biographies about her in many bookstores of the city.
Admiring the city, you can choose whether you want to stay indoors or outdoors, you 'll always find many quiet places to enjoy the magnificent works of Florence.
Having spent all day exploring Florence, you are now ready for an excellent Italian dinner, and to enjoy reading the tales of Niebla de Oriente before going to sleep.
No comments:
Post a Comment