Discovering Florence through the genius of Brunelleschi

Among the many artists who made Florence the city we know today, it is mandatory to name Filippo Brunelleschi. Defining him only as an architect is an understatement, because he was si much more than that.

He was also a goldsmith, sculptor, engineer, mathematician, inventor of perspective: his works are scattered throughout the city, from the heart of the historic center to the Oltrarno and they are a constant reminder of the importance of this character for Florence.

BRUNELLESCHI'S DOME

If you think of Brunelleschi, your mind automatically goes to the majestic dome that towers over the city. The master had to face skepticism, doubts and criticism regarding his revolutionary project, which however proved successful. The construction of the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, his most famous work and masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, coincides with his consecration.

Built between 1420 and 1436, the revolutionary project consisted of building the dome without the use of support armor.

Brunelleschi, therefore, decided to build a self-supporting octagonal structure in stone and brick composed of two domes, one internal and one external.

Thanks to the placement of herringbone bricks and an in-depth study of the calculations of weights and forces, he succeeded in the feat of carrying out his project, thus delivering to his city an unprecedented work of architecture and a symbol of human talent. 

CURIOSITY: right next to the Cathedral there is a statue of Brunelleschi, under the balcony of Palazzo dei Canonici, with his gaze turned upwards to admire his masterpiece.

SPEDALE OF THE INNOCENTS

The master's first architectural work dates back to 1419. The term “spedale” means hospital and was used in the ancient Florentine dialect, indicating the place of reception. “Innocents”, however, for newborns who were abandoned.

Raised from Piazza Santissima Annunziata via a staircase, the 71 meter long portico is made up of round arches with two full bodies at the ends, each with a portal. There are ten roundels representing ten putti (children) created by Andrea dell Robbia. Since 1487 they have decorated the hospital. The simple and clean shapes of the structure make it beautiful and elegant at the same time.

OLD SACRISTY OF SAN LORENZO

Located adjacent to the left transept of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Built between 1421 and 1428, it houses the remains of Giovanni di Bicci dei Medici, father of Cosimo the Elder, in the centre. The altar wall is divided into three parts: a large central round arch and, laterally, two bronze doors.

BASILICA OF SANTO SPIRITO

Crossing the Arno you reach the Basilica of Santo Spirito, designed in 1435 and built on the remains of an ancient convent. It has a Latin cross plan, and with its extremely simple facade dominates the square of the same name.

 CURIOSITY: It is precisely here that Michelangelo studied human anatomy in depth, dissecting corpses.

Brunelleschi died on 15 April 1446. He was buried in Santa Reparata, the city's ancient basilica on which the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built. Traces of it were lost until 1972, when excavations were carried out and it was found. In addition, Brunelleschi's funerary mask can be found in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Brunelleschi's works certainly do not end here. Walking through the city it is possible to come across numerous other works by the Renaissance genius such as the crucifix and the Gondi Chapel of Santa Maria Novella, the Cappella dei Pazzi in the Basilica of Santa Croce, the panel created on the occasion of the competition for the north door of the Baptistery of Florence at the Bargello Museum and many others.

Everyone deserves to be seen to better understand the artist and his art and learn about the immense legacy he has left us.

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