culture
Art:
Florence, Italy is home to many of the world’s famous sculptures and art. Italy has 60% of the world’s most important works of art and half of the 60% is in Florence. Therefore Florence is known as the “capital of arts”. Religion is the most important source Florence is using for their art. Most of the art in or made at Florence are most based on the religious beliefs. The Italian Renaissance was a part of the art in Florence. The artist, Brunelleschi, had finished his painting of Duomo before the Italian Renaissance had begun. During the time of the Italian Renaissance, it was Italy’s richest cultural period. Now because of the Italian Renaissance we have many palaces and squares which mean we have many museums. In these museums we have artwork of Michelangelo, Leonardo De Vinci, Botticelli, and Titian and Rubens. Many travelers come out and discover the amazing art forms they have there in Florence. Florence is home to the many old artists and the new and upcoming artist. A masterpiece made by the one and only Michelangelo is, The Florentine Pieta. At the age of 75, Michelangelo had created this. When creating this, he discovered he had made a mistake; he lost his temper and ended up smashing his artwork. Later it had been sold.
Florence, Italy is home to many of the world’s famous sculptures and art. Italy has 60% of the world’s most important works of art and half of the 60% is in Florence. Therefore Florence is known as the “capital of arts”. Religion is the most important source Florence is using for their art. Most of the art in or made at Florence are most based on the religious beliefs. The Italian Renaissance was a part of the art in Florence. The artist, Brunelleschi, had finished his painting of Duomo before the Italian Renaissance had begun. During the time of the Italian Renaissance, it was Italy’s richest cultural period. Now because of the Italian Renaissance we have many palaces and squares which mean we have many museums. In these museums we have artwork of Michelangelo, Leonardo De Vinci, Botticelli, and Titian and Rubens. Many travelers come out and discover the amazing art forms they have there in Florence. Florence is home to the many old artists and the new and upcoming artist. A masterpiece made by the one and only Michelangelo is, The Florentine Pieta. At the age of 75, Michelangelo had created this. When creating this, he discovered he had made a mistake; he lost his temper and ended up smashing his artwork. Later it had been sold.
Entertainment:
There are over many things to do while living life in Florence, Italy. There is music, theaters, concerts and many places to go to. Only during the summers, in the streets, they play the amazing music to dance to at night. Over 400 years ago was the day opera came alive in Florence. Enjoying the scenery of Florence is not enough, you have to explore. One thing Florence has is the Florence night life, which is the way they entertain themselves. They dance to wonderful music, put on magnificent plays/ theater, ballet and over many things to do and to go to. Florence, Italy is well known for soccer as well as many other cities. Their soccer team goes by the name of Florentina and their jersey color is purple, which only makes sense because their state color is purple. The theaters are huge and can seat over 200 people inside, and most theaters have two stories to see the plays from different angles. Florence would have sporting events you wouldn’t see anywhere else like Palio di Siena which is a horse race with a rider inside to make it toward the end of the race which attracts many travelers. Another is the Marathon of Florence which is a marathon around Rome. Florence has many tourist attractions. It is one of the most popular cities to travel to from all over the world. It has many things to see and many things to discover all over the city. Florence is home to the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. This is the center of history in Florence. It is home to the many works/pieces of work by Michelangelo. Il Duomo-Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. One of the most popular sites of all Florence. It is a huge Gothic that can seat 20,000 people. Another is the Campanile which is a bell tower with a total 414 stairs with no elevator. This tower will show you the best views of all Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is an old bridge that crosses over Arno River and was the only one saved from the old times in Italy. Galleria degli Uffiei is a very important museum, because it holds all the Italian renaissance art. Galleria dell’Acadeinia is another museum with special art but from the 13th-16th century. With many work done by Michelangelo. The Boboli garden and Pitti Palace, these places both have beautiful gardens and fountains in Florence, Italy. Also you’ll find a great view of Florence. Santa Croce is one of the largest church’s of all Florence. This church is not like another church because it holds tombs in its church. Florence holds much art work that belongs to Michelangelo. The baptistery is one of Florence’s oldest buildings out of all the buildings in Florence. The whole building is made of marble. It also has three set of bronze. For shopping, Florence is one of best places. At Florence you will find many leathered goods, paper goods, and as well as very nice jewelry.
There are over many things to do while living life in Florence, Italy. There is music, theaters, concerts and many places to go to. Only during the summers, in the streets, they play the amazing music to dance to at night. Over 400 years ago was the day opera came alive in Florence. Enjoying the scenery of Florence is not enough, you have to explore. One thing Florence has is the Florence night life, which is the way they entertain themselves. They dance to wonderful music, put on magnificent plays/ theater, ballet and over many things to do and to go to. Florence, Italy is well known for soccer as well as many other cities. Their soccer team goes by the name of Florentina and their jersey color is purple, which only makes sense because their state color is purple. The theaters are huge and can seat over 200 people inside, and most theaters have two stories to see the plays from different angles. Florence would have sporting events you wouldn’t see anywhere else like Palio di Siena which is a horse race with a rider inside to make it toward the end of the race which attracts many travelers. Another is the Marathon of Florence which is a marathon around Rome. Florence has many tourist attractions. It is one of the most popular cities to travel to from all over the world. It has many things to see and many things to discover all over the city. Florence is home to the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. This is the center of history in Florence. It is home to the many works/pieces of work by Michelangelo. Il Duomo-Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. One of the most popular sites of all Florence. It is a huge Gothic that can seat 20,000 people. Another is the Campanile which is a bell tower with a total 414 stairs with no elevator. This tower will show you the best views of all Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is an old bridge that crosses over Arno River and was the only one saved from the old times in Italy. Galleria degli Uffiei is a very important museum, because it holds all the Italian renaissance art. Galleria dell’Acadeinia is another museum with special art but from the 13th-16th century. With many work done by Michelangelo. The Boboli garden and Pitti Palace, these places both have beautiful gardens and fountains in Florence, Italy. Also you’ll find a great view of Florence. Santa Croce is one of the largest church’s of all Florence. This church is not like another church because it holds tombs in its church. Florence holds much art work that belongs to Michelangelo. The baptistery is one of Florence’s oldest buildings out of all the buildings in Florence. The whole building is made of marble. It also has three set of bronze. For shopping, Florence is one of best places. At Florence you will find many leathered goods, paper goods, and as well as very nice jewelry.
Religion:
About 85% of the people are born into the religion of Catholicism. Only 20% out of the 85% are there to go worship in church. The other percentage just doesn’t to the church at all. All Catholic churches in Florence are allowed to choose the people who have enough knowledge to teach the class. If you were to take classes at the church it would be like an extra class because every student still needs to go to public schools. The teachers would still be paid by the state and the student does not take the class if they do not want to. Even though the state has a religion of Catholicism, there are 30,000 people living in Florence, Italy that may be Jews. There are many other people living in Italy that don’t share the same religion as others. Some holidays that they have for religious reasons are Epiphany on January 6th, St. John on June 24th, Assumption Day on August 15th, and All Saints Day on November 1st, Immaculate Conception Day on December 8th, and St. Stephan’s Day on December 26th.
About 85% of the people are born into the religion of Catholicism. Only 20% out of the 85% are there to go worship in church. The other percentage just doesn’t to the church at all. All Catholic churches in Florence are allowed to choose the people who have enough knowledge to teach the class. If you were to take classes at the church it would be like an extra class because every student still needs to go to public schools. The teachers would still be paid by the state and the student does not take the class if they do not want to. Even though the state has a religion of Catholicism, there are 30,000 people living in Florence, Italy that may be Jews. There are many other people living in Italy that don’t share the same religion as others. Some holidays that they have for religious reasons are Epiphany on January 6th, St. John on June 24th, Assumption Day on August 15th, and All Saints Day on November 1st, Immaculate Conception Day on December 8th, and St. Stephan’s Day on December 26th.
Language and Style:
Italy has a handful of languages they speak, but the most important language they speak is Italian. About 93% of the population speaks the native language of Italian. Most of those 93% learn it from their mother after they are born. The style in Florence, Italy may be different from many other places. The way you present yourself describes what you are meaning like you are what you wear; Italians can already tell whether you’re a good person or a bad person because of the way you dress.. The way you dress indicates the way you are and the way your family is. People’s first impression of you stays their impression of you which means have to have a great impression on someone the first time you meet them. Italians are especially picky about the way they dress; they are very high on fashion. They will judge the way you are by your shoes, any jewelry, and absolutely anything you have on. What Italians think is even more important than the clothes you where is a good image which the way they say it is ‘bella figura’.
Italy has a handful of languages they speak, but the most important language they speak is Italian. About 93% of the population speaks the native language of Italian. Most of those 93% learn it from their mother after they are born. The style in Florence, Italy may be different from many other places. The way you present yourself describes what you are meaning like you are what you wear; Italians can already tell whether you’re a good person or a bad person because of the way you dress.. The way you dress indicates the way you are and the way your family is. People’s first impression of you stays their impression of you which means have to have a great impression on someone the first time you meet them. Italians are especially picky about the way they dress; they are very high on fashion. They will judge the way you are by your shoes, any jewelry, and absolutely anything you have on. What Italians think is even more important than the clothes you where is a good image which the way they say it is ‘bella figura’.
Cuisine:
As you may know Italy is also well known because of the food. Florence, Italy is known for many of these dishes. One of the main things Florence is known for is their bread. I know you may not think it’s not a big deal but think about it, you are eating bread everyday and yet we never focus on the importance of it. We eat bread almost every time you ask for a desert. Bread can be eaten with anything. Bread is a basic dish but eat it with anything and it is tasty. We never ask ourselves who made it? Why was it made? Now we know that it was created in Italy. Another thing is olive oil. Olive oil can be used for cooking, cosmetic reasons, massages, and it can be used for your hair. Now something that anybody could love, pasta. Most of the main dishes served in Florence would serve pasta in it. Typical dishes served are; Liver “crostini” and sliced salamis, from the “pappardelle” to the “pappa al pomodoro”, The Florentine steak, is one of the most famous dishes all over the worlds, “tripe and lampredotto”. When eating out at Florence you would have many dishes coming to you, a dish you’d begin with until a dish you would end with. Many possible things can bring a tourists eye, but the most important is the cuisine. Many things like grilled meats to wine can bring in a tourist to Italy. Almost all of Italy is known for their wine, at almost every restaurant you go to at Florence they will have wine to serve. The meals served at Florence at divided into four sections; these four sections are starter meals, first course, main course, and then side dishes. Italians would stick to one ingredient throughout the whole and maybe add a few little tiny ingredients to make it taste even better. Affettati Misti, could be a choice of the starting dishes, which is a dish made out of cold sliced meats. This is one of the traditional dishes served in Florence. One of the firs course dishes is one that everybody/ tourists should know, which is lasagna but written in the language the Italians speak would be lasagna. Lasagna is made with many layers of cooked pasta. In between the layers of cooked pasta you can fill it in with cheese, chicken, whatever you want to put in the middle of the cooked pasta. One of the most popular dishes served for a main course would be Triopa all florentina which we would say Florentine-style tripe. Tripe is best served boiled with a side if potatoes or served with beans boiled in oil. One of the side dishes is Fagioli all’uccelletto which we would call beans in tomato sauce. The beans were boiled in meats and sausage.
(By Elsie)
Florence started out as the Roman colony of Florentia. (c. 59 B.C.) Since then, Florence's culture has developed, culturally, economically, and politically. Florence has had a powerful influence on architecture and monumental arts, first in Italy, and then throughout the whole continent of Europe. Florence was home to many famous people in the 15th century. Just to name a few: sculptors Michelangelo Buonarotti and Leonardo da Vinci, architects Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti, and many more. Florence has had many religious influences. One example of these are Cathedral Piazza of Santa Maria del Fiore. In the 15th century, there was a republican government in place. But, this system of government was overthrown by the Medici family as it took over. The Medici ruled over Florence until its collapse in 1737. After that, the power was passed on to the Lorraine family, which fell in 1859. In 1859, Florence was annexed into the kingdom of Italy and became the political capital of Italy from 1856 to 1870. Florence was also the cultural capital of Italy. Florence was a center of art culture. It is home to many museums containing paintings and sculpture. Florence has a very unique culture.
Florence has had many artistic influences, which thrives in Florentine culture. There is evidence of this in Florence. Roman archways decorate the streets. Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci have sculptures all over the city. Florence has achieved magnificent glory in the Renaissance. Due to its early upbringings, Florence has an artistic influence from people like the Romans all the way to Michelangelo Buonarotti. In the period of going under Signoria dei Granduchi di Tuscany rule, Florence reached the height of its utmost glory, from a political, artistic, and economic view. Architects and artists filled the streets. Churches and palaces were filled with the greatest works of art from the Renaissance. Florence went through a period of the rebirth of the Renaissance. In this time period, the city had prosperity among everyone, from the rich to the laborers. The upper and middle class grew. The people of Florence saw their city as the ideal city because of its freedoms. Florence, unlike other city-states in Italy, was a republic. Many different citizens had the right to participate in the government. Also, an individual's freedoms were guaranteed in Florence. Florence also had a humanist influence from its rulers. The Medici family encouraged studies of humanist issues, and studying and collecting ancient authors manuscripts and writings. This led the most influential and rich citizen of Florence, Cosimo de Medici, to open a school called the Plato Academy, where people gathered to discuss classics. Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo de Medici, enjoyed entertainment. He often sponsored activities such as mystery plays, which told of the Passion of Christ. Throughout all of this enjoyment, a man named Savonarola was concerned about all of people's obsession with worldly things. The Florentines were very spiritual people. Savonarola convinced the Florentines to return to more spiritual ways of life.
In Florence, Florentines take things very seriously with coffee. The adopted national drink of Italy has some strict rules about when and how to drink it. Here are some of them, and there are many more:
1. Take your coffee standing at the bar. Sitting down will cost at least four times more.
2. Never drink a coffee with your meal, always after.
3. Never drink a cappuccino with or after a meal unless it is breakfast. Dunking is allowed.
These rules may seem strict to any ordinary American, but they are age-old, and they have been passed down from generation to generation. When refrigeration was a luxury for the rich, people had the luxury of getting milk cold and fresh, but they knew not to drink it after midday, when the milk would go sour. If Florentines are not drinking coffee at home, Florentines usually have one specific place to go buy or drink coffee. There are many types of coffee in Italy. Here are a few: caffè (simply an espresso - a short, very strong black coffee), macchiato (an espresso with a dash of milky froth), macchiato freddo (an espresso with a drop of cold milk), and cappuccino senza schiuma (cappucino with no froth, a bit like an Australian “flat white”). Italy has a different culture for its coffee. At cafes, (or in Italian, "bars") in Paris, tables can be occupied for hours on end. In Sydney, people sip from coffee while reading the morning paper and waiting for friends. But in Italy, people go in and pay for their coffee first, wait at the "bar", order their coffee, and chug down their coffee in a matter of minutes, and are out again. Tables at Italian cafes are reserved for tourists. Florentines don't wait to sit at tables and talk. They like to drink their coffee on the go.
1. Take your coffee standing at the bar. Sitting down will cost at least four times more.
2. Never drink a coffee with your meal, always after.
3. Never drink a cappuccino with or after a meal unless it is breakfast. Dunking is allowed.
These rules may seem strict to any ordinary American, but they are age-old, and they have been passed down from generation to generation. When refrigeration was a luxury for the rich, people had the luxury of getting milk cold and fresh, but they knew not to drink it after midday, when the milk would go sour. If Florentines are not drinking coffee at home, Florentines usually have one specific place to go buy or drink coffee. There are many types of coffee in Italy. Here are a few: caffè (simply an espresso - a short, very strong black coffee), macchiato (an espresso with a dash of milky froth), macchiato freddo (an espresso with a drop of cold milk), and cappuccino senza schiuma (cappucino with no froth, a bit like an Australian “flat white”). Italy has a different culture for its coffee. At cafes, (or in Italian, "bars") in Paris, tables can be occupied for hours on end. In Sydney, people sip from coffee while reading the morning paper and waiting for friends. But in Italy, people go in and pay for their coffee first, wait at the "bar", order their coffee, and chug down their coffee in a matter of minutes, and are out again. Tables at Italian cafes are reserved for tourists. Florentines don't wait to sit at tables and talk. They like to drink their coffee on the go.
Italians take things at a slower pace than us Americans do. Italians like to socialize and talk. For example at a restaurant, it may seem as if the waiter is ignoring you. But really, they are just giving you time and space to talk and socialize with other people. In Florence, there are frequent long lines, which, in U.S. would be thought to be tiresome to wait in a long line for something. Florentine service for people is not as efficient as it is in the U.S. Events in Florence never start on time, due to the Italian slower way of life. In Florence, patience really is a virtue. Florentines like to relax and just go with the flow. Florentines want to enjoy life to the fullest at a slower pace. In Florentine society, families are very important. Life revolves around the family. In Italian and Florentine families, young adults tend to leave and move out of their parent's in their 30's. The reason for this is because of a) there are very high living expenses and b) the young adult is very attached to his or her family. Dating in Florence and Italy is very different from the United States. In Florence, it may take months or even years before a couple can go out alone. They must start out with going in groups to events, until they can start detaching themselves from the group. Since the majority of Florentines and Italians live with their parents, it is very rare to invite a girlfriend or boyfriend to their house. So Italians have very different cultures than in the United States.
In 1400, Florence was threatened by the Duke of Milan. The Florentines feared for their lives, as well as their freedom. They thought that if the Duke of Milan took over their city, they would lose that individual freedom that Florence was famous for. Florence had a republican government in place, and only in Florence did they guarantee an individuals rights and freedoms, and that citizens could participate in the government. So the Florentines were scared that they might lose there liberty that was the pride of their republic. Luckily for the Florentines, the Duke of Milan caught a plague and died in 1402. Between the years 1408 and 1414, Florence was threatened again by the king of Naples. But again, the king of Naples died before he could conquer Florence. But in 1423, the Florentines actually had to fight. They were going to fight the son of the Duke of Milan, who had threatened them earlier. But the Florentine army defeated him in 1425. The Florentines interpreted these victories as "signs from God". After these victories in war, the Florentines saw their city as the 'New Rome', and they were prepared to sacrifice for their freedom and liberty. Florence has a very unique, different, and interesting culture.
(By Daniela)
(By Daniela)
