In addition to art, Florence is distinctive in its architecture. Its artists learned from designers to create three-dimensional space on two-dimensional paintings. And its builders took pride in artistic buildings.
Consider San Gaetano, a 400-year-old church off the beaten path that opened its sanctuary to visitors and where a priest sat ready to hear confession. The building was designed to magnify God. It looks much different than modern churches that more closely resemble movie theaters.
That devotion to design continued in public buildings, too. The Palazzo Vecchio (translation: old palace) was the first residence of the Medici clan until a more sumptuous abode was built across the river in the Pitti Palace -- so, OK, it has a palatial feel. But it was also the place where local government was based, and is today still the office for the mayor of Florence.
Today, at least in the U.S., public spaces are expected to be free of adornment and low in cost. In Florence, design matters still.
Click on each photo to enlarge or treat as a gallery.
Consider San Gaetano, a 400-year-old church off the beaten path that opened its sanctuary to visitors and where a priest sat ready to hear confession. The building was designed to magnify God. It looks much different than modern churches that more closely resemble movie theaters.
That devotion to design continued in public buildings, too. The Palazzo Vecchio (translation: old palace) was the first residence of the Medici clan until a more sumptuous abode was built across the river in the Pitti Palace -- so, OK, it has a palatial feel. But it was also the place where local government was based, and is today still the office for the mayor of Florence.
Today, at least in the U.S., public spaces are expected to be free of adornment and low in cost. In Florence, design matters still.
Click on each photo to enlarge or treat as a gallery.