Florence in the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci

Florence... This city breathes history and art at every turn. Simply strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Town, admiring Renaissance palazzos and medieval churches, makes you feel as if you were in another era. And when you add the traces of Leonardo da Vinci’s presence, the genius who created his masterpieces right here, it’s no wonder Florence becomes a magical place. Perhaps my visit to this city was also partly influenced by the fact that I recently watched the series Da Vinci's Demons. The action takes place mainly here.

My Florence adventure began with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery. It is here, in one of the world’s most important museums, that you can admire "The Baptism of Christ" - the painting on which Leonardo worked alongside his master, Andrea Verrocchia. Even then the talent of the young da Vinci was visible - his angel stands out among the other figures for its naturalness and delicacy.

The next stop was the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence. Right next to the Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of the city government, stands the equestrian monument to Cosimo I de' Medici, designed by Leonardo. Although it was never completed, it impresses with its scale and dynamism.

Of course, Florence is not only Leonardo da Vinci. The city is full of magnificent landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s impressive dome, the Ponte Vecchio — the medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops, and the Palazzo Pitti, the former residence of the Medici.

Florence is a city that delights at every turn. It is a true feast for lovers of art, history, and architecture. And the traces of Leonardo da Vinci add even more mystery and charm.

Legends of Florence:

1. The Golden Cow:

According to legend, on the hill of Fiesole, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands today, there once lived a golden cow. It appeared only to pious people and showed them places where treasures could be found. Once the cow appeared to Bishop Zenobius and ordered him to build a cathedral on that spot.

2. The Devil on the Ponte Vecchio:

It is said that on the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge with jewelry shops, the devil lived. At night he would take the form of a man and tempt people with wealth. Those who gave in to his temptation were doomed to eternal damnation.

3. A young Medici and a ghost:

One of the young Medici, out at night near the Palazzo Vecchio, encountered a ghost. The ghost warned him of danger and ordered him to change his life. The young Medici followed the ghost's advice and became a wise and just ruler.

4. The lovesick sculptor:

Legend has it that the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini fell in love with a beautiful girl named Angelica. To win her heart, he created exquisite jewelry for her. However, Angelica did not return his feelings. In an act of desperation, Cellini threw the jewelry into the Arno River.

5. The Guardian of Florence:

According to legend, Florence is guarded by a mysterious knight. He appears only in times of danger and protects the city from its enemies.

These and many other legends make Florence a city that is not only beautiful but also full of mysteries.

Additional trivia:

• The name "Florence" comes from the Latin word " Florentia", meaning "blooming".
• Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance, the era of the revival of classical art and culture.
• In the 16th century, Florence was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
• Today Florence is one of the most important tourist destinations in Italy.