![]() ![]() As a Roman colony in Caesar’s day, Florence marked the intersection of two major trade routes. Behind it is the Palazzo Vecchio with its marvelous 94 meter-high tower. Also visible are the bell tower by Giotto, and the Baptistery with its magnificent bronze doors by Ghiberti. On the far side of the Arno the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Il Duomo di Firenze, designed by Brunelleschi soars above the roofs of the densely packed houses. It has magnificent churches, of which Santa Maria del Fiore is particularly wonderful: it is built of marble and beside it stands a tower, also of marble, quite magnificently furnished with bells." Florence is seen here as viewed from the southwest with the Palazzo Pitti perched on its hill above the city.īuilt by the banker Luca Bonaccorso Pitti to challenge the Medici family, ironically, it was purchased by the Medici family in 1550, approximately one hundred years following its construction. Embellished with beautiful public and private buildings and surrounded by hills on all sides, Florence is the residence of famous men and a most fertile field for outstanding talents.”Ĭommentary by Braun: "For just as Venice is called the rich, Milan the great, Genoa the proud, Bologna the fertile, Ravenna the ancient, Naples the noble and Rome the holy city, so Florence is called the beautiful. Florentia (Florence) The cartouche of the map and the commentary by Braun aptly describe the city Florence of 1574.Ĭartouche: “Florence is a distinguished city in Etruria, formerly called Fluentia, because it lies on the stream of the River Arno. ![]() Latin text on the verso describes the city proper. ![]() The cartouche text provides additional information as to the character of the merchants and the city’s governance. Ships of myriad origins are depicted plying the waters near the port, further underscoring the city’s importance. The marvelous eighty meter high lighthouse in the lower left quadrant is another symbol of the city. The Palazzo Ducale is seen higher up the hillside as the medieval complex it had been since the thirteenth century. At its center stands the 13th century Romanesque cathedral of San Lorenzo. The city’s layout is clearly seen as it slopes down to the sea. Charles V was at times heavily in debt to the Bank. Ferdinand and Isabella maintained accounts there, as did the city’s native son, Christopher Columbus. The Bank served as financier to many European monarchs throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, gaining widespread influence. An principal port city and shipping center, Genoa was also home to the Banco di San Giorgio, founded in 1407, the oldest chartered bank in Europe and the world. Birthplace of Columbus in 1451, the city as featured here in 1574 still held an important economic position within Europe’s ruling houses. Genua (Genoa) The port and city of Genoa are presented from an ideal, elevated viewpoint from the south. This map presents early bird’s eye views of the great Italian cities of Genoa and Florence on one sheet. ![]()
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