Program highlights included:
• A lecture and afternoon itinerary by historian and writer Ross King on Brunelleschi and his innovative architectural works in Florence, including a private visit to the terraces of the Cathedral of S. Maria del Fiore, designed by Brunelleschi, and a visit to the Opera del Duomo, and the Ospedale degli Innocenti Dinner at the Palazzo Niccolini.
• A visit to Siena for a private viewing of the newly discovered crypt beneath the Cathedral, the Cathedral Museum, and Palazzo Pubblico, followed by lunch in a private palace overlooking the Piazza del Campo.
• A visit to San Miniato al Monte, including an onsite lecture titled The Rise of Monasticism and the City States by William Cook, Ph.D., followed by an architectural walking tour of the churches of SS. Apostoli, Santa Trinita, and a private visit of the Palazzo Davanzati, focusing on the restorations taking place there
• Lunch at Palazzo Frescobaldi hosted by Marchese Ferdinando and Marchesa Rosaria Frescobaldi, Friends of Florence Board members.
• A private visit to the Uffizi Gallery to view the early works of the Renaissance, including visits to the Niobe Room and other Friends of Florence restoration projects in the museum.
• A visit to the church of Santa Croce to view the Giotto frescoes and other early Renaissance works, including a visit of the Pazzi Chapel.
• Lunch at Villa Tignanello estates, owned and hosted by Marchese Piero Antinori, Friends of Florence Board Member.
• A private visit to the Opificio delle Pietre Dure to view and learn about the various restorations taking place onsite. The Opificio is one of the oldest institutions in the world specializing in restorations and their work has been essential to Florentine and Italian art for many centuries.
• A private dinner at the San Marco Museum, including a viewing of Fra Angelico’s frescos and possible future Friends of Florence restoration projects.