In the Medici quarter of Florence sits the Laurentian library designed by Michelangelo and once home to one of the most prestigious collections of antique manuscripts in Italy. Adjoining this is the Basilica di San Lorenzo, last resting place for many of the Medici dynasty and a building considered a landmark in the development of Renaissance then Mannerist architecture and sculpture from Brunelleschi to Michelangelo.
For lunch (at your own expense) we will head to the bustling Mercato Centrale, a large covered market with vendors selling fresh produce and numerous enticing eateries.
From there we will walk to the splendidly symmetrical façade of Leon Battista Alberti’s Palazzo Rucellai.
We will cross the Arno River to be guided through the Brancacci chapel in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, painted by Masaccio, Masolino and Filippino Lippi.
This will be followed by a visit to the small Barbadori Chapel in Santa Felicita, designed by Brunelleschi and later decorated by the Mannerist painter Pontormo.
Accommodation: 5th night at Hotel Balestri, Florence.
Meals included: breakfast.
Gallery
