The Renaissance was an era of European art, innovation, and architecture. This event which originated in Florence, Italy would bring Europe out of the Dark Ages and into an influential golden age of art. As I wandered around Florence, the impact caused by this era in the past remains in the present and is destined to impact the future. My family and I visited Rome, Venice, and Florence this summer. It’s safe to say my expectations were surpassed, especially regarding the culture of the food, art, and people. My family and I got to see some of the most notable landmarks from the past such as Piazza della Signora, Giotto’s bell tower, the Duomo, and more.

The Renaissance started around the 14c and originated in Florence.   This key event occurred because of the middle-class merchants, specifically, the Medicis. The Medici’s family crest is littered around the city, marking the territory they once controlled.

One Medici in particular, Cosimo de Medici, is the most known for his contributions to the Renaissance. Cosimo de Medici was born in Florence and was the son of Giovani de Medici. They started as a small banking business in the back of a woolen shop yet would grow into the most profitable enterprise in all of Europe. After his father died in 1429, he became entrusted with their business and to carry on the Medici dynasty. An enemy of the Medicis: the Albitzis, attempted to accuse Cosimo of treason which unfortunately banished him from Florence. In less than a year, the Albitzis lost control of the city because the Medicis were in charge of most of Florence’s trading finances. Cosimo’s powerful friends invited him back to Tuscany and he modestly accepted meaning the Medicis were back in business. Money came back to Florence and Brunelleschi’s work on the dome continued. Once the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore was complete, the Medicis grew and grew and Cosimo became known as the “pater patrie” or the father of the fatherland and the most loved patron. He is known for spending 600,000 gold florin coins on charity, paying for people’s travel expenses from India and Ethiopia to Florence, and showing tolerance to wayward artists because of their talent. Most importantly, Cosimo is known for becoming the first Godfather of the Renaissance. 

Out of all the cities I visited, Florence’s food was by far the best. I tried foods I’d never had, such as quail eggs, rabbit, and even wild boar. Although I enjoyed the diverse pallet Florence had to offer, a classic lasagna from the Antica Osteria 1 Rossa astonished me with its flavor. My family and I stumbled upon this small restaurant on the streets of Florence one night and it was the best decision we had ever made. The food there was exquisite and authentic. As if the food wasn’t good enough, the dessert was the cherry on top. Gelato is an Italian word that is directly translated to “frozen” and is the type of ice cream in Italy that you can find on nearly every street. Simply put, gelato is denser than generic ice cream yet has lower fat than it.

Overall, Florence is considered one of the most popular tourist locations in Italy, and for good reason. Visiting Florence is a must if you want to expand your historical knowledge, taste amazing new flavors, and view the art of the past.