Florence

Florence is famous for its history and art. To many, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. During my weekend trip to Florence I was able to tour the Galleria Degli Uffizi. The Uffizi is filled with beautiful paintings many of them featuring Madonna. The history behind the art is almost as intriguing as the art itself. The Medici, a group of wealthy bankers, originally owned the pieces. The Medici are very important to Italian history since they were the bankers to the Pope as well as many other high society members. In the front hall of the museum you can see busts and portraits of the Medici.

Seeing the artwork in the Uffizi made me think it would be neat to incorporate what I learned into my own future classroom. I could create projects that would have my students research artists as well as business people who contributed to the history. I could create a project similar to the one my third graders at Marymount were required to do during Computer. The students were asked to create powerpoints on famous pieces of work. Each researched a piece and its significance.  Being exposed to art I feel helps you to be a well rounded individual and may help students spark interest in other fields. Also the Renaissance is such an impressive movement in history that I hope one day I am able to share it with my own students.

The architecture in Florence is also just as impressive as the art and history it holds. On our way to the Uffizi our tour guide pointed out the Duomo, a famous cathedral in Florence. The Duomo is very significant to Florence and an incredible sight to see.  When building the Duomo the builders used wood and scaffolding to hold the structure up. There is an inner and outer dome. Michangelo used the Duomo as a model for the St. Peter's Basticalla in Rome. Honestly, you cannot compare the two, but it was exciting that I was able to tour St. Peter's with my third graders before seeing the Duomo.