Florence Private Guide
by Paolo Russo
From the moment I set foot in Florence I felt like the city had adopted me. We had found each other; Florence, my true home! Whilst I am not a “native Florentine”, I am proud to say I am a “chosen Florentine”. Right from the start of my life in Florence, I was overwhelmed by all that this city has to offer. Such abundance and generosity, especially, of course, in art and history. There are so many exciting things to read, see and study about this beautiful, captivating city, Florence.
My tours
This is not one of the many Guided Walking Tours of Florence! This is not one of the many Renaissance Walks! This is not one of the many tours of the city! … This is my tailor-made guided Open-Air Walking Tour of Florence!
By the close of this private guided tour, you will have experienced the eyes and heart of the city!
One of my teachers told us during the course of study: “ The Uffizi is not a large museum but a great museum “. She (Prof. Maria Grazia Zatti) was right!
The responsibility I feel every time during this private tour of the Uffizi Gallery is huge, always, but the opportunity to talk about masterpieces of western art is one of the most beautiful things for those who make my job.
What an amazing place! One of the most important and known Florentine churches and one of the finest examples of the Florentine Gothic style.
The Gothic architecture and the pointed arches of the naves will take us back to the Middle Ages
I always feel a great responsibility every time I do my private tours inside the Florentine Cathedral (Duomo - Domus - house of God). Do not be distracted by the many other tourists, being in the Duomo of Florence is important considering the meaning that this church had/has/will have for the city of Florence.
Entering the Baptistery of Florence means feeling clearly something: the same sensations and emotions that already people like Giotto or Dante Alighieri felt in their time.
I am sure that the very first thing you are going to do once you enter this place is to raise your eyes to admire the Gothic mosaics of the dome.
The New Duomo Museum is a clear example of a "well-done job ".
Hundreds of works from 1300 to 1800 that are wonderfully well presented in a "new" designed space with a modern conception, which makes it easier to use the spaces
Modern high-quality spaces supporting ancient high-quality works.
A journey into pure Romanesque style passing from the sublime art to the deep and intimate spirituality. A chest that protects unexpected treasures and offers a wonderful view of Florence from above. Here, more than anywhere else, you will feel that a church is a place for the soul.
During this private tour we will visit the Crypt (where the Medici Grand Dukes are buried), the Chapel of the Princes (the actual mausoleum, with the cenotaphs of the Grand Dukes) and of course...the Michelangelo's New Sacristy !!
During 1800 was still alive the memory of what was written centuries before: the presence in the Chapel of the Bargello Palace (a medieval Palace) of one of the first portraits of Dante Alighieri (the father of the Italian language) painted by Giotto and his workshop. Well, the discovery of Dante's portrait (a few square inches on a large wall !!) was the motivation for the total restoration of the building which in 1865 became the first national museum... the Bargello Museum.
Some people come to Florence to see at least the Michelangelo's David in the Accademia Gallery. Certainly, this museum is the home of the David, a finished masterpiece, but to understand Michelangelo's technique is necessary to look at what he left unfinished: The Prisoners!
A medieval palace, updated during the Renaissance, defined during the duchy of Cosimo de Medici (the second Duke of Florence and future first Grand Duke of Tuscany) with important internal works ordered to enhance the role of the new master of the city.
I guess you've never heard of the Brancacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine right? Well, it's just the place where Michelangelo (and many others) have studied.
The Brancacci Chapel was "THE SCHOOL OF THE WORLD". What else do you need to decide to do this private tour with me?
If you need something quiet, well, do not choose this tour!
A bit of fast data⁚ thirteenth-century, redesigned and literally turned 90 degrees in the fourteenth-century. Giotto, Masaccio, Brunelleschi etc. will accompany us during this private tour.