Florence: Heart of the Renaissance

Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2012 | Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world. In this first of two episodes, we'll gaze into the self-assured eyes of Michelangelo's David, enjoy Botticelli's Birth of Venus, delve into the 3-D wonders of Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, appreciate Fra Angelico's serene beauty, and climb the dome that kicked off the Renaissance. Then we'll cross the Arno to where Florentine artisans live, work, and eat...very well. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #florence
Visit www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• European Tours: www.ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/gui...
• Travel Gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop/
• Travel Classes: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• Rick Steves Audio Europe App: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

[@derekGibsoundSG]

watching this pretending i'm traveling during this pandemic.

[@divaskesya]

same energy here

[@tiffanyhillhouse6266]

Same here guys, where should we go next ? Lol

[@kansin733]

N lockdown

[@wolfspirit6489]

Dude same

[@wolfspirit6489]

@@tiffanyhillhouse6266 Paris?

[@marisalombardi385]

The history of this city is simply unique...

[@shubhammaurya4672]

Of course ❤

[@musicaficionado3805]

I travelled to Florence years ago. My favorite city in the world by far.

[@lakshmisudhapadavala6390]

Tq very much .I can't see in my life,because of lack money.God is graceious towards me,Ican saw this vedio

[@AJP_17]

@@lakshmisudhapadavala6390I hope you will manage to go, it’s truly remarkable

[@celeste_2083]

I am so pleased with what you did my 13 year old son loves and appreciates your work ....thank you for making it interesting for us all

[@bdpsingapore]

Just returned from 2 weeks in italy. Florence was my home base. I've traveled to countless cities in 30 +/- Countries. Florence is #1, hands down. I'll be going back.

[@mubashirkarim7039]

Europe is full of great Historic work and Lush Green Scenery. Great Work Rick Steves.

[@genehaun2874]

Rick I have been watching your shows for over 30 years thank you for bringing good info tv

[@estherszalay5921]

Very well done, Rick Steves is always enjoyable. Thank you.

[@daviddebergh254]

Assassin's Creed and History class made me think about the time before ours....Rick helped me enjoy it.

[@soumyayadav7001]

Cosimo and Lorenzo de Medici to thank for this

[@kedarbhide007]

Beautiful episode Mr Rick, cannot thank you enough.

[@aris1956]

5:50 It's unbelievable .... when you stay in front of this masterpiece, you'll be amazed ! And you wonder how a human being can create all this from a huge piece of marble ! What a great artist !!

[@lewistaylor2858]

then you think that the Romans and Greeks made thousands of them...

[@AJ-bs7mk]

@@lewistaylor2858 La

[@bradzaruba9686]

A group of 16 are preparing for a trip to Florence, Venice and Rome. We are so fortunate to get a sneak peak at all three thanks to Rick Steves. Thanks so much for taking us along on your adventures.

[@alex734you]

I hope you managed to visit Italy before the virus!

[@tsultrimocean7200]

What a great tour of Florence! This man is a tour guide who has perfected his craft as well as the great masters of the renaissances with his indepth knowledge, research and love of exploration. Thank you Sir.

[@coosettem2045]

From a small Italian community in 15th century Florence, the Medici family would rise to rule Europe in many ways. Using charm, patronage, skill, duplicity, and ruthlessness, they would amass unparalleled wealth and unprecedented power ruthlessly. They would also ignite the most important cultural and artisitc revolution in Western Europe since the fall of the Roman Empire. This was due to The Medici - Godfathers of the Renaissance. The European Renaissance. But the forces of change the Medici helped unleash would one day topple their ordered world.

[@emilymajeski8809]

I've been looking for a comprehensive but short sweet video on the Renaissance to show my Humanities students and this one delivers. My students actually watch and pay attention to it because it's easy for them to follow and the way you deliver the information is really engaging and interesting.

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Emily

[@savana9507]

I actually bought the Firenze card myself, the one they recommend that gets you into everything! It was your recommendation! I actually have your book on Florence and wish i had gotten one for each of the cities I am going to in Italy in a couple weeks. I have always been in love with Florence and the history and art of it! Medici were amazing ppl who allowed artists to freely grow. Thank you so much for these! I did not know you had videos and found you by accident...a very good accident! I have already subscribed. I will be going to Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome and Pompeii Naples area. Watching your other videos now haha.

[@redapple2752]

I'm a first year art history student and between boring classes, this video cheered me up enough to continue my misery and study afterwards. University is always a disappointment somehow. Sometimes you have to take responsibility to educate yourself.

[@borneandayak6725]

What i love about thi video : short talking and very informative....

[@interrobot1]

Thank you Rick Steves! Nobody does it better than you.

[@MySafetyman]

These documentaries that Rick Steves has done are wonderful. Too bad my daughter had not seen these You Tube videos prior to her College Study Aboard in Florence, Italy for 3 college semesters (17 weeks, 16 weeks and 16 weeks) Aug. 2013 to Dec. 2014 at Lorenzo de Medici Institute. Watching these videos only enhances the photos my daughter took and my imagination as if I were there visiting and seeing these beautiful - glorious sites. Thanks Rick !!!

[@wakeupscreaming9883]

Was Rick Steve the first "influencer" to get free stays in hotels and travel, before Instagram models and KZbin stars did?

[@hugolafhugolaf]

I hope he doesn't, because any travel blogger that gets freebies loses all credibility.

[@AstarionWifey]

No he paid for everything out of pocket How he saves is by going for hostels or Air BnBs vs huge hotel chains

[@AlonsoRules]

because he recommends only a few hotels, he can probably get some discount through being a regular customer

[@joseppi2382]

Rick I love your shows they are wonderful you take us to Europe and show everyone the culture ,I and I'm sure others would know nothing of these places if not for your shows ,you are the best !

[@sheruffa6032]

We would need another reinassance!

[@MuriloHng]

What a wonderful place! Wish we had some places like this here in South America.

[@natividadmariano2281]

I like this history of European countries by writer Rick Steves , I know I will never see or travel to these European countries in person but watching Rick Steves travels I feel I am there with his travels , love it so much , so intellectual

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

This explaination of the Renaissance period ...art.. science...humanism 👏👏👏👏

[@Vladpryde]

That steak looked delicious, and so did that tour guide.

[@caterinageria4784]

Vladpryde

[@jaydyordonez6873]

😹

[@avanivijay5240]

bravo xd xd

[@vanbeet5105]

Okay, I did not see that coming lol

[@salamander981]

Wow, great film Rick. I visit Florence, Rome & Siena this year and these films whet my appetite so much. Thank you.

[@sonalvyas2592]

Thank you Steve and the team for such great coverage of art and culture of renaissance, my favorite

[@Edress786]

I miss Florence, Italy I had a great time.

[@dydp1]

Wow Great moves Steve, keep it up, proud of you

[@DarkAngelEU]

D'you watch H3 by any chance?

[@dydp1]

+Google made me do it Papa bless

[@marcocardamone8347]

Come on son his first name is Rick your memez are wack son

[@dydp1]

Papa Cardamoney first names are informal, this man is a god

[@bigbear7264]

jamming truuu bro

[@Agothygoth]

Rick Steves travel show are so good and I love the music they pick for the background. Great job ☺️.

[@marinamori124]

Rick, what a beautiful and well narrated video you made... Thank you!! I have been to Florence several times and I never get tired of seeing back streets and paintings I missed when I was there.

[@annettepartida9213]

I've traveled a lot, and I do know that Asia is the new age continent. Hong Kong is today's world city, and it is soulless. What I love about Europe, that Asia will never have, are the great free ideas behinds its art. It was a special place when craftsmen and thinkers dedicated the best parts of themselves to the greater cause of awakening the spirit of their fellow human. This was absolutely inspiring to watch, and you've convinced me to live there. I'm a writer, and I would be honored to walk the streets the first modern world pioneers did.

[@SayaBeast]

Have you seen the art of Ancient Korea, India, China, Malaysia and Japan? It's less the culture of Asia that's soulless, but the trend of modern architecture that can seem empty. Modern European cities are just as dry, cultureless and soulless.

[@dafnienyapi1526]

I definitely enjoyed visiting Florence last week! Climbed up to the top of the Duomo and just fell in love with the city!

[@joemoschetta1541]

you should marry an italian and move to italy

[@giasoricci3751]

@@joemoschetta1541 I want to marry her! But I don't live in Firenze sigh sigh

[@mikeriley4622]

Thanks Rick, well done

[@larryjones-emery807]

Thanks, Rick. I have enjoyed your work for years. It informs and comforts me.

[@vonlossberg]

I saw David with my little binoculars! I could see every vein and muscle. There was quite a bit of dust on David too. I loved the ones that were being born from the rocks, you could see all his chip marks. There was the most delicious gelato. The Duomo was breathtaking when you were in there. Up in the dome was a painting of angels and demons. The Uffici was magnificent. The master's paintings. I enjoyed seeing the big one that was unfinished by Da Vinci. It was the brown underpainting! The gold doors of paradise was a mindblower. Statues everywhere. What a blessing to have been able to see everything.

[@violetv4197]

+Christine Von Lossberg Oh wow beautiful , you are really lucky

[@vonlossberg]

Thank you. I really was, it was a sight to see. Hope you can go one day too!

[@violetv4197]

***** yes its my dream....

[@davideascaniovisconti-borg459]

+Christine Von Lossberg The beauty of Florence is shocking. Also for we italians. Luckily, we have a lot of cities with a beautiful "centro storico" but Florence is really incomparable. For me, even better than Venice. But Rome is better than both (sorry but the Capital is my city, i can't forswear lol).

[@vonlossberg]

Hi Davide..so happy you commented. Very nice. I have been lucky and have seen much of Italy. I broke my baby toe so I didn't get to see Rome..such a shame. I went to the Todi hospital. Beautiful little town on the hill. I went to Lucca, Pisa, Venice and many more I can't think right now! Anyway. I love it there so much and the Italians too..so kind and beautiful. Maybe one day I will see Rome..my dream.

[@narminbunyatova6934]

My lovely city Florence, I want to visit again and again. I could live there :)

[@ajaisingh5135]

A big thank you, as we as a family visited, Firenze last week , a listening your live video guide, we can say with full conviction , that it became a lifetime experience , Thank you Steve Ricks. We recommend it like a class room description with no exception .

[@lauraitalia277]

I am very lucky to say I been there. Love the walk ways of the whole Town. Bellisima Cita.

[@katkootairaqia]

Very informative. So glad this well documented video increased my knowledge about Florence and the Renaissance so beneficial for my assignment. Thanks a lot!!

[@luizronconi]

Hello Rick! I'm Luiz, and I´d like to thank you! It´s amazing what you did!!! In May 2016 I'm going to Florence, Rome and Venice!!! I'm from São Paulo (Brazil). It will be unforgettable!!! Thank you

[@romanobenini3331]

Don t come only in Roma Venice And Florence ! A lot of people And groups of tourists around . It s better to vist also more quiet places And other beautiful cities ! In these three cities there is only the 20% of italian art And culture . It s Important : it s better visit Italia alone o with a small group !!!

[@propriono]

Luiz Ronconi so how has been your trip?

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Watching this, it seems like the days of travelling normally are such a distant memory, and are a long time away too.

[@robertorodriguez-ry3sz]

Love to visit Florence,, Lovely.

[@zxc9884761]

I love the music you put into this particular video!

[@Richard2003]

I was there last summer. What a wonderful experience!!

[@MarcusLeepapi]

Thank you Rick for you many shows. Yes, I have watched you so much on our PBS Channel in Chicago. Our WTTW Channel 11. Also, thank you coming here to Chicago and showing your shows here..

[@anikyt7570]

This is beautiful ... curious to know how sudden cultural change occurs which cause human mind explotion towards progress

[@kakhak]

Outstanding!

[@Neaveso1]

I'm sitting in Antico Ristoro Di Cambi right now watching this video!

[@andreagonzalez-ey8ql]

Wonderful video l congratule you friend 👏😍

[@anndeakin1508]

Florence A marvellous magnificent place love museum’s Renaissance shouts out the new and I agree that renaissance art fabulous.Trip enjoyed in 1980.thanks Rick for your reviews .

[@anndeakin1508]

Florence reviewed again on 1st June 2021.The Renascence art seen in museums :and in gardens of rich people’s gardens.A great city to stay in great holidays in this marvellous city..The doors of the Greberto cathedrals doors magnificent.Traditional art found in the backstreet s a good side trip.Thanks Rick fo4 this session.

[@JoelyPera]

Rick Steves is too lit.

[@TherealLRx]

ayyyyyyeeee

[@juliewarrington4247]

One of my favorite cites after Rome.

[@VineetaSinghVerma]

Rick Steve's Europe!

[@joycefroney6162]

Visited years ago. Thank you for the beautiful refresher video.

[@vanizakMo]

I really enjoy all your travel videos! I'm studying in Florence right now and this was so informational!!

[@GASBAGSMike]

Excellent cultural tour of Florence - thank you

[@juneyhubilla7149]

sir , u deserve a 10 mil subs.

[@travelguidesbabboaroundthe6173]

Wonderful Florence!

[@souvikbhattacharya7158]

Speechless

[@johannareichel2022]

Very nice video❤. Love Italy

[@Engel888]

Amazing show. Really enjoyed it from cold, wet lockdown London

[@faysalyounis4676]

Good work ♡ Enjoy watching like direct involved ...

[@pikiwiki]

Great video! Informative without being preachy and compact. A nice achievement.

[@rr7firefly]

The cultural patrimony of every human being. When someone is immersed in Florence's townscape (actually on its streets and piazzas) one can feel the glory of the city and the Renaissance.

[@giovanna5809]

Just great!!!!

[@austinkonchira1568]

Beautiful. Highly informative

[@cuntadeinstrolegh5270]

Amazing.

[@cal3y386]

My favorite episode 👍👍

[@bluesky6028]

Thanks I really enjoy all the information about the Renaissance :))

[@jessicashowalter6475]

Thank you for this! I've consulted many videos, articles and books (including yours) to help me plan and prepare for my trip to Italy this summer. This is just the kind of video I was looking for!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Jessica

[@LucaJDLee]

Thank you for the edifying work. I happened to find this clip after I had finished my article on "Formation and Deconstruction of the Western Canon" (in Korean), and added the link to it for reference.

[@andresalmonte4772]

Thanks so much Steve. Grazie mille

[@gennarodeconcilio]

Great job Rick! Thanks for sharing 💪🏽

[@michaelziggiotto1164]

I love Florence!!😀

[@shannonbowman5990]

Thankful 😊

[@twingzable]

Got to visit last year. Seeing the statue of david was amazing

[@anutanastase5687]

To Lizxiy Pedroza. The story of David and Goliath from the bible is the myth of Hercules from mythology.

[@phimien2426]

Thank you very much!beautiful video!

[@normidausman8260]

Thank you so much for this!

[@brothermarkpatta7073]

Really thank you🙏💕 sooo much sir.. This video

[@kathlynp.6697]

I have a midterm on the early Renaissance tomorrow and this was really good to summarize everything. Thank you!

[@jelenadjordjevic981]

Florence is so cool

[@edoz1869]

Beautyful!!!

[@shannonbowman5990]

for beautiful sweet Florence

[@ariadne3838]

Lovely. Florence--most elegant and refined...

[@simone222]

My favourite city in Italy

[@mankokennewick5802]

My dream vacation

[@monikaforde7807]

This helped me a lot with my Italian presentation about Florence. Thank you, Rick! Greetings from Norway

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Monika

[@adityakothiyal3]

Starting music is so nice..

[@historyisthebest5831]

We watched this video clip in History class, yet our History teacher likes him. I'm finding it again because I want to take more notes.

[@andreatuckman1084]

Wonderful

[@superragnbalheresalam5592]

Thank you for making this video

[@swimmer8585]

Assassin's creed is about as close as I'm gonna be able to get to this city for a long time. *sigh*

[@RoflcopterGalore]

Not with that attitude! Start saving $10 a week.

[@radudam3663]

I nene your loven

[@lw3646]

I found it very beautiful but very very touristy too. Every other building is a museum or restaurant and 4/5 people were tourists.

[@NeilWatkinsfromaccounting]

It’s not as expensive out you think. If you go during offseason and fly from major cities (NYC to ROM), you can get to Florence cheaply. If you go into Rome, the train tickets to Florence are inexpensive and it’s a great way to travel.

[@dianeyang9568]

This is a better way to know the city, I believe !

[@murdochmclennan3510]

The most shocking thing I heard when I was in the city was the ignorant question, "I wonder if there's anything really great to see in Florence."

[@CJViolet]

Very beautiful 😍

[@thesilenthero422]

I'm going this fall and can't wait!