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?

[@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."

[@marisalombardi385]

The history of this city is simply unique...

[@shubhammaurya4672]

Of course ❤

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@genehaun2874]

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

[@daviddebergh254]

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

[@mubashirkarim7039]

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

[@soumyayadav7001]

Cosimo and Lorenzo de Medici to thank for this

[@kedarbhide007]

Beautiful episode Mr Rick, cannot thank you enough.

[@juneyhubilla7149]

sir , u deserve a 10 mil subs.

[@estherszalay5921]

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

[@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

[@borneandayak6725]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@sheruffa6032]

We would need another reinassance!

[@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

[@interrobot1]

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

[@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 !

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Neaveso1]

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

[@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.

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

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

[@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.

[@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 !!!

[@JoelyPera]

Rick Steves is too lit.

[@TherealLRx]

ayyyyyyeeee

[@andreagonzalez-ey8ql]

Wonderful video l congratule you friend 👏😍

[@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

[@juliewarrington4247]

One of my favorite cites after Rome.

[@Edress786]

I miss Florence, Italy I had a great time.

[@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?

[@mikeriley4622]

Thanks Rick, well done

[@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

[@salamander981]

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

[@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.

[@sonalvyas2592]

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

[@johannareichel2022]

Very nice video❤. Love Italy

[@giovanna5809]

Just great!!!!

[@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.

[@Agothygoth]

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

[@narminbunyatova6934]

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

[@larryjones-emery807]

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

[@souvikbhattacharya7158]

Speechless

[@jelenadjordjevic981]

Florence is so cool

[@hugolafhugolaf]

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

[@kakhak]

Outstanding!

[@VineetaSinghVerma]

Rick Steve's Europe!

[@zxc9884761]

I love the music you put into this particular video!

[@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.

[@anikyt7570]

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

[@austinkonchira1568]

Beautiful. Highly informative

[@mankokennewick5802]

My dream vacation

[@lauraitalia277]

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

[@bluesky6028]

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

[@mankokennewick5802]

The plague kicked off the rennasiance

[@davidepaolo4605]

No It helped ti rebuilt and improve medical skills

[@simone222]

My favourite city in Italy

[@alejandroolvera2]

Hi Rick, nice video of Florence!

[@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!!

[@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

[@superragnbalheresalam5592]

Thank you for making this video

[@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..

[@Admiralzzz_]

Ah yes, beautiful Firenze.

[@pikiwiki]

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

[@thetrickster9885]

One day.....I will visit these cities to pay my respects!

[@Richard2003]

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

[@GASBAGSMike]

Excellent cultural tour of Florence - thank you

[@vanizakMo]

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

[@Mo-mn7kc]

Oh Italians, the creators of Europe 🇮🇹❤️

[@ShakespeareCafe]

That was pretty satisfying when he jumped the line

[@Engel888]

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

[@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 !

[@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 .

[@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.

[@ahmedibrahimhassanhajiali]

Rick Steve's videos are standard of quality, no flattering.

[@ciarandevaney385]

Rick steves is a real wordsmith.

[@murdochmclennan3510]

I remember hearing that Florence has "Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's tower."

[@Aztec73]

This was a nice episode. I hope that I can visit Florence someday.🇮🇹 🙂 23:31

[@normidausman8260]

Thank you so much for this!

[@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 .

[@robertorodriguez-ry3sz]

Love to visit Florence,, Lovely.

[@danicacosic909]

Firencs, dolazimo!, ♥️

[@travelguidesbabboaroundthe6173]

Wonderful Florence!

[@faysalyounis4676]

Good work ♡ Enjoy watching like direct involved ...

[@cal3y386]

My favorite episode 👍👍

[@mariebarth1924]

A great video to watch, making florence come to life thanks you.

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Marie

[@mariebarth1924]

@@Thomasfrohwitter hi

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

@@mariebarth1924 it's nice to hear from you, how are you enjoying your spare time?

[@mariebarth1924]

@@Thomasfrohwitter don’t hv much spare time but it’s going good thanks how about u

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

@@mariebarth1924 I love everything about the outdoors including traveling and reading books on political economy my favorite flower is Red Tulip and yellow is my favorite color I'm from Ohio US and you?

[@gennarodeconcilio]

Great job Rick! Thanks for sharing 💪🏽

[@joycefroney6162]

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

[@vivianedebie2284]

Super beau merci

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Viviane

[@cuntadeinstrolegh5270]

Amazing.

[@michaelziggiotto1164]

I love Florence!!😀

[@lauraitalia277]

I am also lucky to say that I eat at the same restaurant he is eating. We had our rental apartment and that restaurante was just around the corner of our apartment. Delicious food, highly recommended.

[@PNoblesGarage]

Whereabouts is that restaurant?

[@lauraitalia277]

is about one block from di ponte Americo Bespucchi. accross from the downtown Florence. You cross the ponte and first street to the left is the amazing restorante.

[@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.

[@francesvansiclen3245]

It's too bad most Americans only know the same names; Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Aligheri; there are myriad other people who did wonderful things !!!!! I love Italy !

[@Arcticos0]

It’s not our fault that we were only taught those names. I’m sure many Europeans only ever know Washington, Lincoln, FDR, and whoever the current president is.

[@davidepaolo4605]

@@Arcticos0 you are right from an italian