Florence has a rich and dramatic history, making it an exciting school trip destination. Established as a Roman settlement in 80 BCE, it became a trade hub in the middle ages. It was considered one of the world's most politically and culturally influential cities between the 14th and 16th centuries and is famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance. For educators looking for a physical starting point for discussing any of its key eras, here are some of the city's most revealing historical gems.
Medieval Florence: Santi Apostoli
One of the city's oldest surviving buildings from the early Medieval period that can still be seen on a school trip, the Santi Apostoli (or Church of the Holy Apostles) opens several fascinating windows on Florentine history. Dating from the turn of the 11th century, its simple structure and fa?ade are a good example of the style of the time. The region had been long besieged by tribes including the Goths and Lombards, and the Christian church had to focus its energies on protecting its knowledge and learning. Parts of the building, however, are even older, with some of its columns in fact belonging to the ancient Roman baths that existed on the same site beforehand. Thus the church is a wonderful illustration of a city in flux, moving from the world of the ancients towards the early modern world.
Renaissance Florence: San Lorenzo
For school trip groups seeking to investigate the Renaissance era, the entire city of Florence can be considered a historic artefact in itself, as much of the city's existing art and architecture was built or enhanced by wealthy patrons during that time. But for one of the most striking demonstrations of the power and wealth wielded by the Medici, the ruling family under which Florence flourished so, San Lorenzo is hard to beat. It was the family's parish church, and they spared no expense in decorating it. A design by renowned architect Brunelleschi, a library, sandstone stairs, marble tombs by Michelangelo, and bronze pulpits by Donatello are just some of the marks of the Medicis' influence and the rich creativity of Renaissance Florence.
Republican Florence: Palazzo Vecchio
The short-lived Florentine Republic that interrupted Medici rule is an interesting if brief period, from 1494 to 1530, during which those who had seized power taught the people that God was their only true ruler. Although it pre-dates the period, and was subsequently redecorated, the Palazzo Vecchio, or town hall, contains several reminders of this time that can still be seen on a school trip today. On the first floor, the Salone dei Cinquecento was a meeting place for the Republic's leaders, while Vasari's frescoes illustrate the Siege of Florence in 1529. A Republican frieze reads: "Christ is King", referring to the belief that no living ruler can have absolute power.
Angela Bowden works for EST (Equity School Travel), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing school trip options for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. School trips with EST can encompass a wide range of learning and more in worldwide destinations.
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