We arrived an hour late for our scheduled three-hour tour. Marco was so gracious and understanding, though, and immediately put us at ease.
Unfortunately, the Duomo had closed by the time we arrived, so we weren’t able to go inside. Marco more than made up for that by giving us a fascinating look at the Duomo’s architecture and history. He explained the meaning behind the different colored marbles, told us about the artists and architects who worked on it, and even explained the role of the powerful families who helped finance it.
We especially enjoyed learning about the Medici family and their influence on Florence. Marco explained how they shaped not only art and the artists they supported, but also banking, the Church, politics, and the history of Florence. He has a wonderful way of telling a complicated story that makes it easy to follow and genuinely interesting. By the end, we found ourselves wanting to learn more about the Medici!
At the Baptistery, Marco told us about Florence’s devotion to St. John the Baptist and pointed out the remarkable work of the artists who created its sculptures and beautiful floor designs. At the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, he brought the history of the Baptistery’s original doors to life, especially Ghiberti’s magnificent doors. We also loved seeing Michelangelo’s lesser-known Bandini Pietà and Donatello’s striking wooden sculpture of Mary Magdalene as a desert hermit.
What we appreciated most about Marco was that he didn’t simply point things out and give us facts. He told the stories behind what we were seeing and connected the art, architecture, religion, politics, and history in a way that made Florence come alive.
Marco made our experience feel relaxed, enjoyable, and worthwhile. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and simply a pleasure to spend time with. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone visiting Florence who wants to learn not just what they’re looking at, but the stories and history that make it meaningful
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Linda Hyde
