Europe Travel Guide | Comprehensive Information Blog

After the death of the Roman Empire in Italy, the country slid into the dark ages along with the rest of Europe. However, it was Italy that led Europe out of the dark ages and into the modern and enlightened era. This period that included much of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries was called The Renaissance. During this period, Italy produced men who set the new standards in art and science, standards that laid the foundation for what would become Western Culture.

The traveler to Italy today can explore this period of history, and become familiar with many of the most famous works of art that the world has ever known. Museums feature the works of artists such as Michelangelo, DaVinci, and Botticelli; and the cities that were the heart of the Renaissance, such as Venice and Florence; abound in the architecture of the period.

Florence, or Firenze as it is known in Italian, is one of the most visited tourist destinations. Located two hundred and eighty miles north of Rome, it is served by its own International Airport. Florence is the capital of Tuscany, and although not an exceptionally large city has one of the highest concentrations of Masterpieces of Art of any city in the world. These include the David of Michelangelo, The Uffizi Galleries, as well as countless churches and other medieval period buildings.






Florence also has ample hotels and restaurants to accommodate the traveler and also is the headquarters for visits to the nearby Tuscany region of Italy.

Venice is another well known destination that invokes the time of the Renaissance. Known for its canals and the colorful gondolas that are its water bound taxis, this city build on water grew into a major city state during the Middle Ages, and was a major sponsor of many of the artists and scientist that flourished in the Renaissance. Perhaps the best known site in Venice is the Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square as it is known in English. This wide open place in the heart of Venice is the prime gathering place for visitors and residents alike, as well as home to the countless pigeons that have made it famous.

Another landmark of Venice is the Rialto Bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. The equally famous Bridge of Sighs, a much smaller bridge that crosses from the prisons to the Doge’s Palace was given its name by Lord Bryon. The name was suggested by the fact that prisoners on their way to their executions would get their last glimpse of beautiful Venice as they crossed it.

A traveler who visits Italy to tour and discover the Renaissance, or Rebirth, period of history will not be disappointed. Venice and Florence are but two gems in this crown, and many other destinations offer a look into this important and world changing time in history. Come and stand and gaze in awe at some of these grand creations of the souls of men, and realize that this beauty helped lead Western Culture out of the dark night of the past and into the bright light of the future