A Favorite View

Piazzale Michelangelo

The first time I came across one of my favorite spots was completely by accident. It had just finished raining, and the sun had started to come out when Cierra and I decided to grab a quick gelato and explore on the other side of the bridge. We saw an interesting tower, with lush greens behind it, and wanted to check it out. We walked up, and stumbled upon the Piazzale Michelangelo. The view was breathtaking, and sitting on the steps, listening to an Italian musician play for us while watching the sunset definitely left a lasting impression.

My other favorite view accompanies one of my favorite places in Firenze, the Uffizi. The Uffizi has a rooftop cafe, which has a beautiful view of the Duomo and the surrounding buildings. Katie, Amber, and Camille joined me at a table and we all enjoyed a cold cappuccino (something rather rare, and rather delicious). I still daydream about the (overpriced) coffee that was perfect on a hot and long day, and when it was accompanied with great company and a great view, you can't help but be nostalgic.

Holy Moly!

Renaissance Churches

Throughout our lectures, a common reappearance tended to be the influence of religion in the Renaissance. We learned about all the major churches throughout Florence, and visited all of them. One of my favorite parts of our Florence Study Abroad program was how we would learn about a certain idea or building, and then go visit whatever building, or area, that related to this material. I know I would’ve appreciated the beauty surrounding all of the churches, but knowing the history and what all went behind the scenes in constructing the magnificent structures just amplified the experience .

Even though every single church was as equally gorgeous as the next, I did develop a sense of favoritism towards several of the ones we learned about. The Duomo is very high on my list for several reasons. The complexity of how it was built, and all of the artists who contributed to make it into such a special church today just shows how driven the Renaissance artists were. The dome is easily the most recognizable part of the church, and I think that’s one of my favorite parts. However, I appreciate it for the story that’s behind it. The fact that Brunelleschi was the first architect to build a free-standing dome is absolutely insane. The fresco inside of the dome depicting many biblical scenes is breathtaking to see, whether down at floor level, or whether you see it while climbing up the Cupola. Santa Croce is also another church that I hold dear. I passed it every day walking to class and back home, and the outside is magnificent—inside is just equally gorgeous as well. When looking at how beautiful and huge this church is, you can hardly believe your mind when you hear it’s a Franciscan church. Franciscans believe that to be godly, you must have nothing material in life, so it’s a little strange that such a beautiful and gorgeously decorated church is dedicated to such ideals.

Definitely Weren't the EtrusCANTs!

Etruscans and their Cities

During our 6 weeks abroad, we didn’t just learn about Florence and the Renaissance. Before Florentines, and even the Romans, lived the Etruscan civilization. Etruscans interacted with Greeks, and later on the Romans, and all 3 cultures and ideals mixed together. Everything about the Etruscan civilization is dead now, and all we have to study them are the grave goods and tombs that have been left behind and preserved. Since this is all we have to study, the material can sometimes be very dry and bland.; however, by being able to go to old Etruscan towns and ruins, the material came to life. They are a complex society, with heavy influences from Greece and even Egypt. Some of the incredible items we were able to see and examine were pottery urns that held the cremated ashes and grave goods, famous bronze statues, and even the original tombs. Several of the towns we went to played a major role in how the Romans took over Italy, and how they conquered the Etruscans and dissolved the civilization completely.