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Rick Steves' Europe
Florence: Heart of the Renaissance
Season 7
Episode 704
Fifteenth-century Florence was the home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of our modern world. In this first of two episodes, we gaze into the self-assured eyes of Michelangelo's David, enjoy Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, delve into the 3-D wonders of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, appreciate Fra Angelico’s serene beauty, and climb the dome that kicked off the Renaissance.
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25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
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25:17
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
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25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
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25:36
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
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25:39
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
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25:18
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
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25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
25:18
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
25:19
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
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25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
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25:19
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
25:18
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.