Page 123 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018
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imposing Duomo and also visit Piazza Repubblica and the Ponte Vecchio, while admiring some
of the great palazzi of Florence along the way.
We also suggest a stop at the impressive Medici Chapel, part of the Church of San Lorenzo
which was the official church of the Medici family from their period as private residents in their
palace located nearby on what is now Via Cavour. The chapel later became the mausoleum of
key figures of the family. The project for a family tomb was conceived
in 1520 when Michelangelo began work on the new sacristy at the direction of Cardinal Giulio
de' Medici, future Pope Clement VII, who wished to erect a mausoleum for certain members of
his family including Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brothers Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino (1492-
1519) and Giuliano, Duke of Nemours (1479-1516). The chapels are divided into three distinct
parts: the crypt, the Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes) and the New Sacristy which
features stunning works by Michelangelo. Admission to L’Accademia and the Medici Chapel
are included in your program. You will learn much about Florence history during today’s tour.
Proposed Accommodations for 2 Nights: Hotel Santa Maria Novella, an elegant four-star
hotel with a great rooftop terrace overlooking the picturesque piazza of the same name
Day 8 - Saturday, July 22: Artisan’s Tour of Florence. This morning, re-connect with
Angela for a walking tour of Florence during which you will discover the Renaissance city’s
timeless artistic traditions. Walk through centuries past, watching skilled artisans produce
unique handmade works based on century-old traditions. The Florentine tradition of producing
artisanal goods has been ongoing
for centuries and today remains one
of the cornerstones of Florence's
visual and social history, as it did
in the times of the guilds during
which apprentices learned from
their maestri. Florentine
leatherworkers, silversmiths, shoe
manufacturers and hat makers have
produced handmade goods for
countless generations of kings and
queens, princes and noblewomen
and continue to this day. A walk
through some of Florence's artisan
quarters is an inspiring way to experience how the Renaissance backbone of the city's culture has
influenced today's artists and artisans. You will witness certain artisans working in the most
traditional of ways, while others have adapted their crafts to suit contemporary ways.
The city’s Santa Croce district is the historical home of Italy’s first tanneries and leather workers.
Nearby, in the ancient dormitory of the Basilica of Santa Croce, today’s students learn ancient
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