Travel report Florence
Kathrin Lenoir took part in our Renaissance trip at the beginning of October. The tour group consisted of just under thirty people. The trip was organised by the Renaissance Association and led by Manuel and Oliver Dürr, who presented topics relating to art and intellectual history in dialogue with each other.
“When I think back on Florence, I am flooded with images that testify to the city's overwhelming density of beauty. Take, for example, the view from Fort Belvedere looking down onto the city, glowing golden in the evening sun. Then there's the silhouette of the cathedral, churches and palaces against the backdrop of the Tuscan hills, which is beautiful at any time of day or night.
I found it very enriching to be guided through the city by Manuel and Oliver Dürr. Their expertise and passion for art and history were infectious. I had been to Florence several times before. This time, I enjoyed revisiting old favourites, such as Fra Angelico's incredibly moving frescoes in the monastery of San Marco, as well as making new discoveries, such as the completely redesigned Museo delle Opere del Duomo, which houses the golden Gates of Paradise from the cathedral's baptistery.
The tour group was exciting too, and I felt very comfortable with them. Talking to such a diverse group of people was enriching and inspiring for me.
It was also lovely to start the day with a prayer service in the Church of San Lorenzo. The short liturgy fit wonderfully into the historical setting of this Renaissance church. These moments appealed to me and inspired my thoughts.
I look back on this trip with great gratitude.”