Our tour starts at the Carmine Church with its famous Brancacci Chapel, one of the most astonishing frescoed chapels in the world.
The fresco decoration of the chapel, under the Brancacci patronage since the 14th century, was entrusted to Masolino and Masaccio who worked on it together starting from 1424.
The premature death of Masaccio and the exile of the patron, Felice Brancacci, brought to an interruption of the decoration, which was carried on later in the century, in 1480, by Filippino Lippi.
The frescoes by Masaccio were at once recognized as a masterpiece and deeply influenced the Florentine Renaissance painters, including Michelangelo.
All the major artists of the 15th century came here to study the frescoes which combine a perfect application of the new rules of perspective with a remarkable use of chiaroscuro.
Afterwards, we will step to the celebrated Santo Spirito’s Church, designed by the great Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. This impressive basilica displays beautifully painted altarpieces and rich decorations in a pure, elegant and symmetric Renaissance space. Moreover, you will have the chance to admire one of Michelangelo’s earliest masterpieces: the Wooden Nude Jesus Christ on the Cross, hanging above the Old Sacristy, dating 1492.
Our tour continues in the lively and picturesque Oltrarno district where passionate craftsmen have been working in their botteghe for generations. You will also get a look at Florence’s unique Via Maggio, the street of antique dealers, and many little piazzas with their characteristic gelato shops.
