Florence, Italy
Florence is a beautiful city with immense character, charm, and beauty around every corner. It is known as the city of leather for its popular leather production. In the streets, there are leather shops everywhere, and the decadent smell accompanies you along your stroll.
Unfortunately, I only spent an evening in Florence, which was not enough time to experience all this grand city has to offer, yet I still hold on to some of the things it taught me: the beauty of art.
Growing up outside of DC, I took many field trips to famous art museums inside the city but never found much joy in it. While I could admire the beauty of a piece, I never understood the feeling people got by learning from it until I met my friend, Dina.
Dina was our tour guide in Florence who has a more extraordinary passion for art, and its history than most art teachers. When she explained the detail and symbols embedded in the David, I was blown away. At first, I questioned why Michelangelo would imagine David just before he killed Goliath as a strong man because of the Biblical description. However, I learned that he did so because of what defeating this giant would do to his future. David was a small boy of little importance when he killed Goliath. However, unlike my mind imagined, Michelangelo showed God’s foreshadowing of David’s future because of his humble obedience to God. This is just the beginning of the symbolism embedded in this masterpiece, and I highly recommend everyone read this piece.
The David was not the only piece I learned from but also got to witness the most stunning structure I have ever laid my eyes on, the Cathedral of Santa María del Fiore, meaning Saint Mary of the Flower. This Cathedral is coated in immense detail and covered in rare marble.
This beautiful structure that points all glory and honor to the Holy Trinity faces a Temple. This temple has a glorious door made of bronze that tells the story of the Old Testament. The idea is that people would be baptized in the building across, exit the old, and enter a new walk with Christ into the Cathedral.
Florence not only taught me the beauty of art but invited me to reimagine the stories of the Bible in ways I never thought possible. It took these classic tales and gave them the honor they deserved through the interpretation of famous artists bringing these stories to life. Florence is a place not just of great historical and political dominance but a God-fearing city that strives to honor the Lord in every way.
Meet My New Friend
Beauty and grace are two words I would use to describe my new friend, Dina. Dina is a native of Florence and speaks three languages: Italian, Spanish, and English.
Dina is passionate about art history and uses her career as a tour guide to share her love and abundant wisdom with those from other countries. Her heart is full of adoration for the next generation, and she works specifically with children to ignite a love for art and preserve the history of her city and country.
Her beauty shines from within in everything she does, and her love for the Father and those around her is evident through the way she talks and treats His creation. It is an honor and pleasure to know her.
You can hire Dina to give you a personalized tour of Florence through WithLocals.
