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From the moment I stepped off the plane and waltzed into the city of Florence, I was overwhelmed by a sense of awe that remained with me throughout my entire study abroad experience. Florence, Italy, is home to timeless masterpieces, nearly flawless architecture, and rich cultural heritage. While these qualities are what make Florence famous, the city offers more than what can be captured in photographs or history books. During my time as a temporary Florence resident, I deepened my understanding of the Renaissance and its impact on both past and present art, architecture, and culture. I was also able to improve my communication skills, challenge my assumptions and previous knowledge of the Renaissance period, and meet and interact with wonderful people both inside and outside of my study abroad class. 

The art and architecture in Florence were unlike anything I have ever encountered. No photograph, textbook, or lecture could have prepared me for the experience of standing before masterpieces that have shaped the course of European history for centuries. I gained a newfound appreciation for the artists of that time. The sheer talent it took to not only create these masterpieces, but also persevere through the painstaking techniques used to produce them is astounding. For example, many murals and paintings seen on the ceilings of Florence’s cathedrals and churches were created using the fresco technique. Fresco paintings require the artist to apply water-based pigments onto a wet limestone plaster, leaving little room for error. Even the smallest mistake can force an artist to remove the plaster and begin the section again, erasing hours of meticulous work. Knowing the immense patience, precision, and discipline required to complete a single fresco made seeing this work in person even more extraordinary. Even the preservation of the artwork is impressive. I’ll never forget the moment I stood before the statue of David in the Academia. Seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece in person moved me in a way I have never experienced before, bringing me to tears. The scale of the sculpture, combined with its lifelike detail and incredible precision was overwhelmingly beautiful, and it didn’t just stop there. Every street, piazza, statue, painting, and cathedral seemed to embody the remarkable vision and ingenuity of the Renaissance. 

Aside from the prominence the Renaissance had and still has on Italy, one of the most eye-opening portions of my study abroad experience would be discovering how Italian culture turns some of the most mundane moments into worthwhile experiences. I noticed this as soon as I arrived in Florence. Because nearly everything is within walking distance, daily activities such as going to class, grabbing a meal, or running errands become opportunities to slow down, converse with others, admire the city’s beauty, and stumble upon places you never intended to visit. Rather than simply serving as a means of getting from one place to another, walking becomes an experience in itself. I also noticed that dining in Italy encourages camaraderie and community. Rather than checking on guests every few minutes, waitstaff typically approach the table only when it is time to order or when they are called over. At first, this felt unfamiliar, but I quickly came to appreciate it. The diners give time and space to not only savor your food, but to also relish in your conversations and company you choose to eat with. This experience, among many others, revealed that everyday tasks can also be an opportunity to cultivate relationships and be fully present with the people around you. 

Italy’s cultural diversity was also striking. Though we were based in Florence, we took some time out of our schedules to travel to other Italian cities. One of my favorite cities that we went to was Bolzano. Not only was Bolzano noticeably different from Florence, with its long chain of mountains, rolling hills, and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes I’ve ever seen, the culture was completely different. Bolzano is about a three hour train ride from Florence, but with such a stark difference in cities, it felt like we arrived in a different country. Unlike Florence’s medieval and historical feel, Bolzano is more modern with less tourists and more grass. The citizens even speak German and Italian in Bolzano as opposed to the mostly Italian in Florence. Visiting Bolzano challenged my preconceived notion of Italy as a culturally uniform country and revealed that each region possesses its own unique identity, traditions, and way of life. 

As I reflect on my study abroad experience, I feel immense gratitude for this opportunity. I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country’s legacy, cultural diversity, and customs. This experience challenged my perspectives, strengthened my curiosity, and reminded me the importance of learning things through firsthand experience. This journey was truly unforgettable and I will cherish the memories and knowledge long after this trip has ended.