Hey guys!
Recently, my friend and I took a tour of Europe (before Coronavirus became an epidemic..and then a pandemic) so that we could learn more about the Renaissance age.
Soo, we decided to talk about it because we got bored in our homes.
To make this more interesting than just talking about…we decided to rank the places we visited.
5. Palazzo Vecchio
We were curious about how the government operated during the Renaissance, so we toured Palazzo Vecchio.
Palazzo Vecchio was once the home of the Medici family in 1537 and the center of government in Florence, Italy. The Medici’s were once a powerful family who earned their wealth from banking. Along with that, elected councils previously governed from there. On the other hand, the pope had controlled central Italy, at the same time, the emperor ruled the Holy Roman Empire (which is now Germany & northern Italy).
Did you know that Michaelangelo and da Vinci were commissioned to produce paintings here?!
Even though Palazzo Vecchio was a beautiful place with a fantastic history, other places were more fascinating.
4. The Louvre Museum
From Italy to Paris, France, we visited the Louvre Museum, which displays the world’s most famous –and mysterious– painting…
…The Mona Lisa! Painted by Leonardo da Vinci sometime during 1503 and 1519. The reasons for why it was painted are unclear. Still, many think it’s because Leonardo was requested by a husband who was also a wealthy merchant.
Unique Features Of The Painting
- Portrays a feeling of dimension
- Creates the illusion that her eyes are following you
- Used a new technique – sfumato. This is where a hazy, dreamlike feel is created
With his unique style, Leonardo’s methods helped revolutionize many paintings that came after the Mona Lisa.
There were many other paintings by Leonardo that we saw, like Saint John the Baptist and The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne.
Learning about and seeing the Mona Lisa was really interesting, but there was another museum that was even more interesting….
3. The Leonardo Interactive Museum
Back in Florence, Italy, we visited a museum dedicated entirely to Leonardo and his inventions.
One could find precise models of Leonardo’s designs (found in his notebooks) there. We got to see the models of the armored tank, the flying machine, the cannon, etc. Additionally, there were many of his ideas displayed, like the Vitruvian Man.
This museum unmistakably captivated us, although there were other places (outside) that were undoubtedly compelling.
2. The Marketplaces
Piazza del Mercato, Piazza Della Repubblica (used to be called Piazza del Mercato Vecchio), and Loggia del Mercato Nuovo, as we learned, were some marketplaces that prospered during the Renaissance. The markets are located in Siena and Florence, Italy, respectively.
Merchants, butchers, and bakers sold their goods at the markets. Jugglers, acrobats, and street singers entertained us. The markets showed us how they were, and still are, a meeting place for the middle class, peasants, craftsmen, children, and beggars.
Influences Of Renaissance Markets
Many of you may be thinking of how similar the markets are to the present day ones…well you’re right about that.
- Markets are still used to see different goods
- Various people with distinctive backgrounds gather in markets (or other common places)
- Street singers, acrobats, and living statues still entertain people
Times Square in Manhattan, NY, and Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA, are examples of modern-day markets.
The markets were lovely, and they certainly exhibited the culture of the Renaissance Age. Although our visit to a certain someone’s home will take the lead.
1. The Birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
We got pretty interested in Leonardo da Vinci and his life, interests, ideas, and inventions. Therefore, we visited the home of one of the greatest minds in history.
In Anchiano, Italy, we toured the childhood home of Da Vinci, which has now been converted into a museum. The museum features a hologram of an old Leonardo da Vinci, who recounts his life story, an interactive walkthrough of his paintings, and a virtual itinerary.
His home was small, but a beautiful one. It’s surrounded by beautiful hills and vast fields of vineyards and olive trees.
With a hologram, his work displayed, and beautiful scenery, no wonder this was our favorite!
*Visited Europe/written post with Tips + Tricks *
Watch out for the next post (which may or may not come very soon as we are all bored stuck at home)!!
I also have plans for making cannon, very convenient and easy for transport, which to hurl small stones in the manner almost of hail, causing great terror to the enemy from their smoke, and great loss and confusion.
– Note written by Leonardo da Vinci in his notebook
Glimpsing My Life 