A couple hours south of Venice is Florence—the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance. That was the cultural explosion that, 500 years ago, helped pull Europe out of the Middle Ages and into modern times.

Visitors gaze into the eyes of Michelangelo’s David, enjoy Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, delve into the 3D wonders of Ghiberti’s glorious bronze gates, and appreciate Fra Angelico’s serene beauty. And the cathedral features a beloved bell tower and a chance to climb the dome that kicked off the Renaissance…for a view you’ll never forget.

Florence was long an economic powerhouse. Rather than its church, it’s the city hall—once the palace of the Medici family—that towers over the main square. Michelangelo’s David originally stood here—this is a copy.

The original David is now the centerpiece of the nearby Accademia Gallery, which feels like a temple to humanism. At its altar…stands one very impressive human.

The shepherd boy, David, sizes up the giant…thoughtful and self-assured, he seems to be thinking, “I can take this guy.” This statue was an apt symbol, inspiring Florentines to tackle their Goliaths…

I’m meeting my Florentine friend, Tommaso at i Fratellini—a venerable hole in the wall much loved among locals for its tasty sandwiches and wine sold by the glass.

Tommaso: Grazi. Thank you. And when you are done you leave it on the rack.

Rick: Boy, it’s intense in the city.

Tommaso: Yes, it is. Well if you want to leave the tourists let’s cross the river and let’s go to where the real Florentines live and work.

Rick: Where’s that?

Tommaso: The Oltrarno area.

There’s much more to this town than tourism as you’ll quickly learn in the characteristic back lanes of the Oltrarno district. Artisans, busy at work, offer an opportunity to see traditional craftsmanship in action.

You’re welcome to just drop in to little shops but remember, it’s polite to greet the proprietor. Your key phrase is “Posso guardare?”…”Can I take a look?”

Here in this city of art there’s no shortage of treasures in need of a little TLC.

The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, has been busy with shoppers since before the Renaissance. Jewelry is a Florentine specialty. The bridge is lined with gold and silver shops—a tradition that goes back centuries.

And for art lovers, you can’t miss the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere—the Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi’s collection—displayed on one comfortable floor, takes you on a sweep through Italian art history from the 12th through the 17th century.

In the Renaissance—as in the ancient world—people saw the glory of God in the beauty, order, and harmony of the human body, God’s greatest creation. Classical statues clearly inspired Sandro Botticelli. For me, his Birth of Venus is the Uffizi’s purest expression of Renaissance beauty. The goddess of love, born from the foam of a wave, is just waking up.

Botticelli combines the beauty of nature and the human body—the hands, wings, and robe mingle with the wind. With Venus’ flyaway hair, the airy spaciousness of the distant horizon, and the flowers—caught at the peak of their beauty, tumbling in slow motion—the world itself is fresh and newborn.