Florence on Foot: History, Art, and a Modern Twist

Today, our students laced up their walking shoes for a deep dive into the heart of Florence’s historic center — a journey through centuries of art, politics, and culture.

We began at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, once home to the powerful Medici family. Students were fascinated by the building’s understated elegance and its role in shaping Renaissance Florence. From there, we made our way to the iconic Duomo, where Brunelleschi’s dome continues to inspire awe centuries later.

Next stop: Casa di Dante, the birthplace of Italy’s literary giant. Standing in the narrow medieval streets, students imagined the world that shaped The Divine Comedy.

In Piazza della Signoria, we explored Florence’s political heart, surrounded by sculptures that tell stories of power, myth, and revolution. One piece that sparked lively discussion was the modern statue “Time Unfolding” by Thomas J Price — a striking bronze figure of a young woman casually checking her phone. Unlike the classical statues around it, this one stands at ground level, inviting a more personal connection. It challenges traditional ideas of who gets to be commemorated in public spaces and reflects Florence’s evolving identity as a city that honors both its past and its present.

The students left the square with a deeper appreciation for how art — old and new — continues to shape the way we see the world.