Florence: the Fleur of Renaissance

 

The Cradle of Renaissance. 

That is what Florence is regarded for. Its name, when reduced into simplest form, was taken from the Latin term 'florere,' which means "to bloom." During the Renaissance Era of the 15th and 16th Centuries, this city has taken an enormous influence all over the world. It is therefore apt to regard it as "the Fleur of Renaissance."

"Fleur" is a French term for "flower." Though it suggests vulnerability, it is also associated with "strength" and "resiliency." After all, flowers grow even in the midst of natural challenges and difficulties. Florence was mighty and powerful during most of its historical existence. It defeated Siena in an intense, centuries-long rivalry, and today, remains to be the capital of Tuscany.

Florence is my sister's favorite. It is not difficult to understand why. Everywhere you go, you will feel a different kind of flair that you will only experience when you set foot on this city. The narrow alleys, the cobblestones, the buildings that date back to Renaissance, and the mellow streetlights give this destination its over-all cosmopolitan vibe. It is probably the most cosmopolitan ancient city we have ever been to.

Arrival

Nighttime Florence
Image Credit: alkir through iStock

We arrived at Florence in the middle of the night. We were starving, tired, and almost had nervous breakdown. On our way to the hotel, we rode a taxicab who literally crisscrossed the ancient parts of the city. The streets were all cobblestones so our taxi ride almost felt like a bumpy ride on a horse-drawn carriage.

As we went on, we saw the beauty of Florence unraveling itself. I didn't take pictures, although I should have (regrettably), so I could fully witness the city streets without any form of distraction. I must say that I was not bedazzled; instead, I fell in love with the city's dreamy vibe. Everything felt like we were in the middle of a nostalgic fairytale of long ago.

Florentine Streets

Florence is filled with thousands of tourists that it was difficult to capture good images of the city. People are everywhere looking around or stopping by to inspect remarkable sights here and there. I had to content myself that they cannot be avoided no matter how hard I try. Regardless, the beauty of Florence cannot be eliminated by the mere presence of the crowd.

A statue of an artist, among dozens of others

On our way to Uffizi Gallery and out, we saw dozens of statues sculpted dramatically. Even statues that depict gruesome events tend to tantalize the onlooker no matter what.

Perseus with the Head of Medusa (1554)

One such gruesome artwork was the "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" which was completed and unveiled to the public in 1554. The finesse of the statue removed anything that would normally disgust the onlooker. In fact, this appears to be the pinnacle of artistic expression. When one artist seamlessly blends horror with art and turn it into something enigmatic yet beautiful, it only inspires people.