Italy – Home to historical art masterpieces

If you are an arts aficionado, you will enjoy visiting famous cities in Italy such as Rome, Venice and Florence. These cities will offer you a glimpse into the rich historical art masterpieces. Whether you are an art collector or a novice art-appreciator, get ready to be overwhelmed with a wide variety of art collections.

Begin your exploration of the world-renowned art masterpieces with a visit to Padua, located nearby Venice. The famous Scrovegni Chapel will delight you and leave awestruck with the masterpiece of prominent artist Gotto. The frescoes by Gotto are based on the lives of Jesus Christ and his mother Virgin Mary. The paintings which were completed in 1305 aptly demonstrated his innovative skills and 14laid the foundation for the future great painters during the Renaissance period.

The Renaissance was in fact one of the greatest moments for the Italian art, and the city of Florence became its focal point. This was mostly because of the presence of elite class in the city in adequate numbers who had money to splurge and were among its great patrons as well. Some of the famous Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi and Leonardo da Vinci were patronized by the Medici family, who owned and operated the largest bank in Europe. All of these artists made Florence their base and flourished here. In fact, while exploring the city of Florence you will get amazing views of their art pieces dotting across the city.

A visit to the Accademia in Florence will have your eyes fixed on Michelangelo’s creation ‘David’ flaunting his six-pack. Yet another fascinating sight awaits you at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo where you will see wood-carved sculpture Magdalene weeping – a fantastic masterpiece from Donatello. Visit the Uffizi Galleries to see Botticelli’s amazing creation Venus emerging from the sea foam. The dome towers created by Brunelleschi are also ready to catch your fancy.

After seeing the amazing art masterpieces in Florence, it’s time for you to move on and visit Rome. The Italian capital is in itself a work of art. The city is filled with captivating art creations wherever you visit. The mind-boggling creations by Bernini will catch you by surprise wherever you go. Masterpieces by Caravaggio in unpretentious churches hanging about nonchalantly will keep you glued. Above all, the huge dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is ready to allure you with the awesome paintings by Michelangelo.

Apart from the Colosseum and the Vatican, art lovers get ready to see some of the renowned paintings of the Renaissance period at the Capitoline Museums. Spend some time wandering through the Michelangelo’s magnificent creation Piazza del Campidoglio before you finally enter into the museum to see other paintings. The Etruscan sculpture of Remus and Romulus, both of them being widely acknowledged to be Rome’s mythical founders, suckling at the bronze she-wolf will entice you endlessly. Numerous classical masterpieces of anonymous painters such as Cupid and Psyche are also prominently displayed at the Capitoline Museums.

The Vatican Museums are renowned to hold most of the Renaissance treasures of Rome. The map halls, galleries and the Raphael Rooms holds many surprises for you and so does the Sistine Chapel prominently showcasing Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

The Baroque period catapulted Rome to the center-stage and the city came into its elements. Bernini and Caravaggio were the two famous artists of the Baroque period. In order to see some of their best works, you don’t necessarily need to buy museum or art galleries tickets. The beautiful sculptures of Bernini can be seen at Piazza di Spagna, St Paul’s Basilica and Piazza Navona. These are only few examples among several others. Don’t forget to visit Santa Maria della Vittoria church to view Bernini’s most intimate creation ‘Ecstasy of St. Teresa’.

Apart from these, you will in fact discover astounding masterpieces by Caravaggio scattered all over Rome. The best way to see these mesmerizing masterpieces is to go on your own self-designed walking tour. This would be simply great as it will provide opportunity to see the famous paintings at the equally renowned churches. The walking tour will take you to the churches of Sant’Agostino, Santa Maria del Popolo, and San Luigi dei Francesi.

The ‘Madonna di Loreto’ is the famous art work of Caravaggio showcased at Sant Agostino church. The acclaimed masterpieces ‘The Crucifixion of St. Peter’ and ‘The Conversion of St. Paul’ can be seen at Santa Maria del Popolo. The two popular paintings ‘The Calling of Saint Matthew’ and ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew’ are being prominently displayed at San Luigi dei Francesi church.

After you have visited the cities of Rome and Florence, it’s best to conclude your art tour with a trip to Pompeii, near Naples. You will get awesome glimpse of frescoes dotting the ruined homes of the Ancient Roman city.

A visit to these popular cities of Florence, Rome and Naples will offer a great insight into the prominent role that art played in the lives of the common people.