The Darker Side of the City of Flowers: Florence, Italy (Hybrid)

Art Historian Laura Johnson provides a visual view of Florence's famous art and architectural masterpieces. But she will also discuss the seedier side of Florence’s history. Bankruptcy, bonfires, and excommunication top the list of tales of woe and misfortune. Learn what Dante thought was the greatest religious sin as the Divine Comedy comes alive in via dell'Inferno. Laura tells of the murderous plot against the de Medici family on Easter Sunday in the Duomo, and the gluttony of Medici Pope Leo X. The licentiousness of the Florentines and their decadent beauty regimes, fashion, and eating habits are perplexing. Learn of the quality of life according to Galileo, and of the possible religious reasons for Michelangelo’s infrequent bathing habits.

Members $15 / Non-Members $20