The Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini) inside Siena Cathedral is a colorful Renaissance highlight in the otherwise predominantly Romanesque-Gothic Duomo. The Piccolomini Library is in a single hall accessible only from inside the cathedral of Siena. Although a number of significant codices are on display, the main reason to visit is to admire the colorful frescoes … [Read more...]
Visit San Zeno Maggiore Church in Verona, Italy
The large Basilica San Zeno Maggiore is the finest church in Verona and one of the most important Romanesque churches in Northern Italy. San Zeno Maggiore is architecturally the most important church in Verona. This large Romanesque basilica, with cloisters and a separate bell tower, was part of a Benedictine monastery that often housed the German Roman emperors. The … [Read more...]
Enjoy Best Views of Venice from San Giorgio Maggiore
Visit the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore for some of the finest panoramic views of Venice in Italy including San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal. Some of the best views of Venice can be enjoyed from the campanile of the San Giorgio Maggiore church. From the square in front of the church, visitors can enjoy marvelous views for free of the Doge’s Palace … [Read more...]
See Fra Angelico Art in the San Marco Museum in Florence
Many of the best early Renaissance paintings and altarpieces by Fra Angelico are exhibited in the San Marco Museum in Florence. The pilgrims’ hospice of the former convent of San Marco in Florence has the world’s largest collection of altarpieces and paintings by Fra Angelico. Famous altarpieces on display include the Deposition from Santa Trinita, the Annalena Altarpiece, … [Read more...]
Visit Santa Croce in Florence to See Giotto Frescoes and Michelangelo’s Grave
The art in the Church of Santa Croce in Florence includes frescoes by Giotto and Taddeo Gaddi and the oft-visited tombs or funeral monuments for Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo, and others. The Basilica of Santa Croce is one of the great Gothic churches of central Florence. This large Franciscan church is filled with art including magnificent frescoes by Giotto and his … [Read more...]
Visit the Santa Maria Novella Church and Monastery Complex in Florence
Visitors to the Santa Maria Novella church see some of the finest Gothic architecture and cloisters in Florence, as well as top medieval and Renaissance art. The basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the major churches in Florence filled with art. The large church and former Dominican monastery complex with several cloisters are mostly Gothic while the campanile still … [Read more...]
See Top Art in the Santa Maria Novella Basilica in Florence
Santa Maria Novella has some of the finest medieval and Renaissance art in Florence, including Masaccio’s Holy Trinity and a Crucifix by Giotto. The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, originally a Dominican monastery church, has always been full of art. Top works include Masaccio’s Holy Trinity — an early application of the rules of perspective — and a huge crucifix by … [Read more...]
Visit San Lorenzo Basilica in Florence for Renaissance Art
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is at the origins of Florentine Renaissance with the tombs of the Medicis and sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo. Although the church of San Lorenzo has some credible claims to being the oldest church in Florence, the present basilica is the third church here and dates from the Renaissance period. The church has several claims to … [Read more...]
Visit the Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo in Florence
The Medici Chapels with Michelangelo sculptures in the San Lorenzo church complex form the mausoleum for the most powerful and best-known family in Renaissance Florence. The mausoleum of the Medici family in Florence is not surprisingly a grand affair. The huge Chapel of the Princes (Capella Dei Principi) is covered by the second largest cupola in Florence while the walls … [Read more...]
See the Laurentian Medici Library by Michelangelo in Florence
The Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana is the Medici’s library designed by Michelangelo in the San Lorenzo complex in Florence. It is also a major working library. The Laurentian Medici Library (Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana) is a major library in Florence. For tourists, the main sight is the magnificent Renaissance reading room designed by Michelangelo. The entire room and … [Read more...]
Top Sights to See on the Field of Miracles in Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the top sight to see on the Field of Miracles that also include the cathedral (duomo), baptistery, Camposanto cemetery, and museums. The top sights to see in Pisa are all grouped together on what is often simply called the Field of Miracles (Campo Dei Miracoli, or often also Piazza del Duomo). The Leaning Tower of Pisa is by far the most famous … [Read more...]
Visit the Romanesque Duomo (Cathedral) in Pisa
The Duomo in Pisa a romanesque masterpiece of white marble with black detailing. The cathedral is filled with art — admission is free. Pisa Cathedral (Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta or more commonly simply Duomo di Pisa) is best known for its campanile — the famous leaning tower of Pisa. However, this large marble church is a magnificent … [Read more...]