Florence art and the splendour of the Uffizi

The Stendhal syndrome is a psychosomatic reaction to art that can cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, even hallucinations. Such is the power of art, and the human mind that creates and observes it. The illness is also known as Florence syndrome, after the city where its symptoms were first documented.

Syndromes aside, why wouldn't your pulse beat that little bit faster and your head start to swoon when faced with the incredible artistic wealth of this city.
The Tuscan city of Florence frames the Uffizi Gallery with Botticelli's Primavera and the Galleria d'Arte with Michelangelo's statue of David. There are the Medicis' numerous palaces, buildings and gardens, with works by Raphael and Titian. And to top it off, the great Santa Maria dei Fiori cathedral and baptistry, along with innumerable other churches, statues and public works that create this artwork of a Renaissance city.

The art of Florence is classic Renaissance. Giotto, considered the first of the early Renaissance era, is one example. Giotto broke with the Byzantine style and began to paint and sculpt in a more humanist and natural manner. During his apprenticeship he painted such a lifelike fly on one work that his teacher kept trying to brush it off. Giotto was employed by the city of Florence to build the bell tower for the main cathedral. His Ognissanti Madonna painting is housed in the Uffizi and his statue adorns its outside wall.

Just as intriguing as its art collection is the artistic street life below the Uffizi's wings. A mix of hawkers and artists sell printed reproductions, or their own interpretations. Others still set up an easel and palette and attempt a sale of original appeal, perhaps a sketchbook caricature, perhaps a landscape oil, or a more daring piece of modern art amidst the comfort of masterpieces and classics.

Around the corner the Bridge of Gold, or Ponte Vecchio, sells every creative form of gold jewellery. Although the glitter and glint of its wares is more baroque, the bridge's architecture is enough to melt your own golden heart right into the Arno river below. Alternatively, the Galleria that houses David is near the university. Students keen on art, design and architecture gather from all around the world, and this Florentine quarter hosts vibrant locales and funky cafes.

And for your own framed photo of this incredible art city, the Piazzale Michelangelo on the hilltop offers a breath-taking outlook that encompasses the entire picture postcard of this historic city. The surrounding hills, the Arno river, the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval centre and its encircling walls, and the Duomo rise above a sea of terracotta tiled rooftops speckled by the necks of the town's bell towers.