An Immersive Time Capsule - Florence's Reflection of Architectural Eras
- Amanda Jones
- May 30, 2023
- 6 min read
Amanda Jones
If the walls could talk, the city of Florence, Italy would never be quiet again. From its ancient Roman foundations to modern innovations, Florence is known for its history. Every building, statue, and road seems to have a purpose and a story, making it a remarkable city for experiencing architectural changes throughout the centuries.
The key to Florence's ability to transport its visitors through time with simple brick is its continued prominence throughout the centuries. Buildings have stood the test of time, serving as tangible links to the past. Thanks to the preservation of such structures, one can find buildings from every architectural style and period. Some of these buildings even predate Florence's architectural rise to fame in the Renaissance.
Being that Florence did in fact experience its height in the centuries surrounding this period of enlightenment, many structural time capsules reflect the styles of the 1200s to 1600s. The following examples provide a glimpse into just three of the many eras of architecture that one can visit through the architecture of this magnificent city.
Italian Gothic
Gothic architecture, dating back to the 12th century, is still well-preserved in Florence. It features masonry construction, characterized by open walls broken up with a tracery—a kind of architectural exoskeleton. Pointed arches were used to preserve natural light while allowing for taller buildings.
In Italy, the Gothic style took on a slightly different form. This is because the style is named after The Goths, a Germanic civilization that invaded the Roman Empire. Incorporating Romanesque features such as large walls, small windows, and repetitive arches called arcades, Italian Gothic architecture was born. These additions aimed to convey strength while maintaining modesty. In doing so, designs featured few glass windows and understated bell towers.
Though flying buttresses and gargoyles are a staple of gothic architecture, these features were not considered elegant in Italy. Therefore, Italian Gothic architecture strived to differentiate itself from these features while still reflecting the style of the era.
Cher Esquire, visiting from Canada, comments on the architectural wonders of this period, “The architecture is unique; When you look back you think ‘how did they do that?’ That's my biggest question: How did they get up there? This kind of architecture just makes you have questions.” The challenge of building such grand structures contributed to such simple yet powerful gothic designs.
Church of Santa Croc
One cannot miss the Santa Croce church while exploring Florence. Its façade, though beautiful, features simple decor and pointed arches at the doorways. Originally constructed with only brick, it exemplifies the simplicity of the Gothic architectural period. Corinthian columns adorn the interior as an ode to Romanesque style. The tall walls incorporate small windows, some of which have been made into stained glass overtime. The church's arcades of arches skip around the entire church. These open spaces, as well as the boned wood ceiling allow for an audible but muffled echo, providing acoustics for services.
“I saw a sign over there that said something about 1854. As I computed it, that was almost two hundred years ago. Two hundred years seems like a lot of time, but then you take a stroll here and find places from almost a thousand years ago,” Cher’s husband, Larry Esquire describes his experiences in Florence.
The idea that visitors can step into the pages of a history book dating back centuries wouldn't be possible without the distinct architecture of not only the Santa Croce, but all the churches built during this time.
Early Renaissance
The Early Renaissance, occurring between 1400 and 1495, marked the beginning of a significant period in history. This period’s architecture shares similarities with the commonly known Renaissance style, but with far more classical elements. While drawing inspiration from 5th-century Greece and 3rd-century Rome, architects incorporated these classical elements into their contemporary designs.
Columns became a focal point, with stone—specifically marble—used not only for structural support but also to add a sense of elegance. Arches were utilized in many openings to create a softer, and more open feel. There was also a great deal of focus on bringing light and air to the space, reflecting the era's new thoughts and ideals. Externally, structures showcased symmetrical simplicity.
Basilica di Santo Spirito
Florence's Basilica di Santo Spirito, built between 1444 and 1487, stands on the local side of the city, across the river. When approaching this prime example of Renaissance architecture, one may feel underwhelmed. At first glance, its exterior is unremarkable compared to other churches in Florence, with its simple plastered stone façade and unfinished design. However, upon entering, one is greeted with breathtaking beauty.
Roman Composite columns dominate the structure, exceeding initial expectations. Arched spaces and large, open domes create a sense of airiness and illumination, allowing one not to get overwhelmed. The church abounds with marble elements, seamlessly blending different-colored stones. Cuts of marble grace every structure within the church, the stones all melding into one.
Even the ceilings contain a marble design. The marble ceilings alow the church to differ from other centuries' churches that focused on a marble design floor rather than a carved celing. The design reflects its designer, Filippo Brunelleschi, and his goal to adhere to classic architecture while encompassing the rising ideals of renaissance culture.
Gallery Captions: Photo One: The open movement within the design is complimented by marble carvings throughout
Photo Two: Arches were made considerably high to balance the amount of decor within
Photo Three: The rounded edges of the Basilica demonstrate a step away from Gothic Architecture
The Renaissance
The Renaissance period witnessed a rise in mathematics, understanding, and innovation, which greatly influenced architecture. Structures of this era mastered geometrical shapes to ensure stability when creating such grand structures. Circles, squares, and even triangles became prominent in Renaissance architectural style.
Of course, frescoes played a significant role, adorning large walls from top to bottom. Domes became more prevalent as advancements allowed for their construction. Renaissance architecture became an art form within itself. It focused on space and depth while directing the visitors’ gazes where needed.
Santa Maria Novella
Though the Santa Maria Novella was built in the late 1400s similar to the Santo Spirito, there was a much larger focus on creating a true Renaissance church. Throughout the centuries after completion, the church was slightly redesigned here and there. When approaching the church, standing in front of a garden of green grass and pink flowers in the center of busy buildings and roads, the focus on geometry is prevalent. Squares and circles are the main decor in both the inside and outside of the church.
Made of marble and brick, the Santa Maria exemplifies the Renaissance style within its walls. The wide, open ceilings continue the geometric theme with marbled stripes of white and green.
While columns still exist, they are less round and elaborate. Another noteworthy Renaissance feature is the engraved sun rays on the marble square ground. Mathematician and astronomer Paolo dal Pozzo Toscanni designed a specific astrological window for the church. This accurately represented the astrological clock of the time, as gold bars were implanted to follow the rays of the solstice. Details such as this further embody the values of the Renaissance within the structure.
Gallery Captions:
Photo 1: The frescos above describe the life of John the Baptist
Photo 2: Egyptian Sarcophagi and Gold were used in alter pieces to symbolize the magnificence of God
Photo 3: Despite the grandeur of the Frescos, the pews remain wood similar to most churches throughout history
Photo 4: For religious ceremonies, thick red carpet can be found on top of the structure’s marble floors yet under these floors lie even older foundations
Photo 5: Even though the inside and facade of the church were made with marble, most of it was made with stone
Turning the Page to Modern Day
Although these three churches represent only a mere five hundred years of Florence's architectural history, the diversity of designs is evident. The fact that these structures have endured the passage of time is a testament to the thoughtfulness behind their creation as time capsules for future generations.
In addition, the preservation of these diverse architectural styles from different periods is the result of the digilent work of countless individuals over hundreds of years. These buildings are not just structures, nor are they just churches; they are reflections of the values and beliefs of their respective times. They connect modern day to those who came before.
“I think seeing it is just a dream come true. It gives you a good feeling just being in it. When you think about what went on over centuries… the people who have come in and out… it's a good feeling,” Cher says.
While the walls themselves may not speak, their designs—the flow of once-solid stone now marble art, the arched wood that create solemn echoes, the towering columns adding a sense of solidarity—tell us the stories of time's passing.
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