Florence, a city in Italy, is celebrated for its medieval history. Renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, from the 14th to 16th centuries, Florence was a cultural and artistic capital. We visit the Florence Cathedral, and then on to Il Porcellino (the lucky boar). After that see the merry-go-round built in the early 1900s and then cross the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge and then on to the Basilica of Santa Croce where several famous people, including Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.
Just look at those beautiful hills...
What an amazing view!
This is Tuscany, in Italy.
I am on my way to Florence, a city celebrated for its medieval history.
In 1982, the Historic Centre of Florence was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, from the 14th to 16th centuries
Florence was a cultural and artistic capital where the Renaissance blossomed.
It is often referred to as the "Cradle of the Renaissance."
I'm on a tram heading towards the Historic Centre.
Ooh, they allow dogs to ride the trams here.
Hi, there!!
Ah, here we are!
It's 7:50 a.m.
Everyone's walking so fast.
I guess they are on their way to work and school...
I can really feel the history of this city here.
What an amazing atmosphere!
First, I'll check my map.
The tram stop is next to the train station.
I began walking from there and now I am here!
Buildings dating back to the Renaissance are found in the Historic Centre,
which has been designated as a World Heritage Site.
The Florence Duomo, a cathedral that is the symbol of the city is close.
I think I'll head in that direction.
Hey, what's that?
Let me check the guidebook...
That is... the Medici Chapels, built in the late 16th and early 17th century.
Part of it was designed by Michelangelo.
It's so elegant!
This really is the city of art!
They look like students.
I guess they're on their way to school.
Look at all the people here!
They're all young.
I wonder if something special is going on?
I think I'll ask.
Good morning!
Good morning!
There are so many people here.
May I ask what's going on?
We wait at the church until
we're ready to go to school.
Why do you wait here?
We have to wait because the
school doesn't open until 8:10.
Well then, why don't you just arrive a bit later?
We live far away and the only
train we can take arrives early.
Oh, I get it.
Kind of drag, huh!
So, you both are waiting, too.
May I ask how you all usually spend your time in the City of Art?
You mean other than school?
Yes.
I have lots of hobbies.
When I have time I paint pictures
and listen to music.
I try not to just lie around
in bed doing nothing.
Ah, a Florentine student of the arts.
And is this your... girlfriend?
- No, just a friend.
- We're friends.
We're all good friends.
Sorry for my mistake!
Looks like it's time for school to start.
Enjoy your day!
Thank you! Have a good day!
So that's their school!
Back to my guidebook.
This is the Liceo Classico Galileo, a high school founded in 1878.
This building dates back to the 16th century.
Oh my, even high schools in this city are rich in history.
I really like these cream-colored walls lining the streets...
It's getting more crowded.
I must be getting close to the Cathedral.
Huh?
There it is!
The Florence Duomo, also known as Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or Florence Cathedral is the symbol of Florence.
What does my guidebook say?
The octagonal building in front is the baptistry, with the cathedral itself visible behind.
The Duomo is a representative example of early Renaissance architecture.
It's 51 meters in height!
Wow, this building is overwhelming.
Built of marble, the Duomo is decorated inside and out with sculptural masterpieces.
The whole building is a work of art.
Just look at how that reddish brown dome stands out against the blue of the sky.
There sure are a lot of people here!
This must be the line to get in.
I wonder how long it is...
People from all over the world flock to Florence as there is so much to see here.
Hey. Here's another line.
Hmm, wonder what it's for?
Looks like food!
It's an Italian sandwich shop.
And it seems to be quite a favorite!
There's another crowd over there.
I wonder what's going on?
Oh, what is that? Looks like a boar.
And his snout is really shiny!
That guy's rubbing it.
What's going on?
I wonder what this is all about. I think I should ask.
Excuse me.
May I ask what is going on here?
We do this for good luck.
What is it that you do?
You rub a coin on the boar's snout
and then put it on its tongue.
If the coin falls into the hole below
you'll have good luck.
Did it work for you?
I'm unlucky. But I am lucky in love.
You sound confident!
Oh, that boy's trying it! Good luck!
- Wonderful!
- It went in!
How fabulous!
What did you wish for?
I want to win a soccer match.
Oh, that would be great if you won!
Great talking with you!
- See you.
- Ciao.
A boar that brings good luck...
No wonder its snout is so shiny!
This street is just bustling with people.
I think I'll slip into an alley.
Not so many people here...
These stone buildings lined up as far as the eye can see,
they create a wonderfully delightful street setting!
Strolling along these cobbled streets is so great!
That building on the right, looks like it has an interesting history.
My guidebook says it's the Palazzo Strozzi, a stone building built in the Renaissance style in the 16th century.
Ciao!
Oh, looks like it's okay to sit there.
That gentleman over there looks very comfortable reading his book.
Excuse me.
Hello.
It seems that you have found a great place to sit.
People in the old days knew
how to make a good seat.
It's a comfortable place to sit and
is reminiscent of the Renaissance Era.
Was it made for people to sit on?
Wealthy people in the Renaissance
expressed their gratitude
toward ordinary people
by providing them with a place
to sit in front of their palaces.
Wow!
So something made in the Renaissance is still being used today?
Florence has an artist's soul.
Florentines carry on their tradition.
It's truly a beautiful city.
Famous buildings like the Duomo or
Santa Croce are splendid, of course.
But there are wonderful smaller
churches and buildings, as well.
Thank you so much for all the information.
I'm going to walk around and see what I can find.
Thanks, again!
Thanks. Goodbye.
Goodbye!
Florence has an artist's soul. Nice!
Florentines have maintained their traditions for 600 years, and thus have preserved the essence of this city.
Look at all the outdoor souvenir stands around here!
Oh, look up there, It's a large piazza.
A merry-go-round! How great is that!
And look at all the kids enjoying the ride.
They're all having so much fun!
Hi, there!!
Oh, look there are pictures of Florence all around the top, and they are fascinating!
Time to get down.
Behave, now.
We'll come back tomorrow.
That father has his hands full!
If he's good, we'll come again.
Looks like they had a lot of fun!!
Yes, it was fun.
It appears that he didn't want get off!
He rode six times today.
Six times!? He must really enjoy it!
Yes. He was very happy and excited.
Lucky little boy!
Did you enjoy it too?
I love spending time with kids.
If children are happy, we're happy.
Happy children make happy parents, huh?
I couldn't agree more.
- My pleasure.
- Thank you!
The ticket booth looks like a treasure chest.
Hello!
Hello.
What a fascinating merry-go-round.
Thank you.
Does it have a long history?
- About 24 years.
- Twenty-four years...？
Looks like he's coming out to talk with me.
Why is it here in this piazza?
The city asked our family.
So we chose to be here.
It does seem to fit here. It has a real retro feel.
We restored it in 1997,
but it was built in the early 1900s.
Wow, so it's more than 100 years old?
That's amazing!
Built by my great grandfather.
Your great grandfather?
It's been here only 24 years it must've been somewhere else before?
Back then it didn't stay in one place.
It went all over Italy.
A traveling carnival...?
It's rare to have a wooden floor
and brass fittings.
It uses original materials and
simple construction.
Can you show me?
This golden parts here are
made of brass,
which require constant maintenance.
Otherwise they will rust.
Wow, that must require a lot of maintenance.
We start work at around 6 or 7 a.m.
and go past midnight.
We're open all year.
Every day of the year?
And you're up early and go until late at night?
You certainly are a hard worker.
I don't think of it as work.
I like it, so it's fun.
Your job is to sell dreams to children.
When you were little, did you used to ride the merry-go-round?
Both my parents worked here so
I've been riding it since I was born.
Since you were born? You are so lucky!!
Lots of fun.
Just like the kids today.
They seem to love it!
Thank you for sharing your story with me.
Thanks.
Good luck.
Bye.
Ciao.
Hard to believe that this merry-go-round was built over a hundred years ago!
His work has brought so much joy to so many children and their parents!
Now, that's what I consider a great job!
Hello! I'm Elena, a historian.
Florence gained importance in the Middle Ages,
and became the cradle of Renaissance humanism, but history does not end here.
History continues.
If you want to see it, come with me.
Let's get on that bus. Come on, come on.
Look! Just look at that large wall!
In the old days many Italian cities were sovereign states and so they built protective walls like this.
As Florence grew, the wall was expanded.
By the year 1333, it was 8.5 kilometers long.
From the 12th century onward, Florence prospered due to woolen textile manufacturing and financial services.
A major force behind the development of the city was the Medici family, a banking family and political dynasty.
The Medici coat of arms can still be found in many places throughout the city.
The Medicis were patrons of many artists and architects and helped foster their talents.
This was the beginning of the Renaissance.
Artistic talent is evident throughout the city.
The Palazzo Vecchio, for example, is a fortress-like stone palace built in the Gothic style.
Other examples include the Palazzo Pitti which housed the royal court of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany...
and the Uffizi Gallery, which is reminiscent of a Greek temple.
All of them can be considered art works in their own right that adorn Florence.
Italy was unified in 1861 and Florence became its capital.
The city underwent extensive renovation,
and the encircling wall was mostly demolished, constructing a "ring road" in its place.
Many of the medieval and Renaissance building have been preserved
because Florentines believe that that townscape is part of the city's identity.
Under the caring and watchful eyes of its residents, the traditional culture of Florence has been maintained.
I hope you continue to enjoy the "Cradle of the Renaissance."
Take care! Ciao! Ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao.
It's two o'clock in the afternoon.
Ah, they're working on that building.
I guess that's how they restore and preserve their past.
Let me check my map.
I experienced the overwhelming power of Florence Cathedral,
encountered the lucky boar, and saw the retro merry-go-round.
And now I'm here.
The Historic Centre continues on the other side of the Arno River, too.
Next, I'm going to walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and check it out.
But wait... is that a church up ahead?
What a beautiful building!
That woman with her dog looks like a good person to ask.
Excuse me. Good afternoon.
Hello.
I, uh...
Hi. What can I do for you?
Are you here here every day?
Yes. I live close by.
Really? Is that building over there a church?
This is the Piazza Santa Croce and
that's the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Ah, so it is a church.
What! You don't know
about this church?
- Please do your research!
- Oh...
I'm sorry.
Shall I tell you about it?
Yes, please.
It has an altar, and candles,
and great people are buried there.
Michelangelo, Galileo, and others
that I can't remember right now.
Wow.
Looks like lot of famous people buried here.
Come on, let's go.
We're taking a walk.
Thanks! Goodbye!
Thank you. Take care! Ciao, ciao ciao.
Enjoy your walk!
Now, let me see if I can find the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
There's a black dog, sitting by itself, all alone.
You're not even on a leash.
You have a collar.
Are you lost?
Hmm what should I do?
She must be the owner...
No...
Is that man coming back for him?
No...
Hey, little one, where's your owner?
Hello!
Buon giorno! Are you the dog's owner?
Yes, she's ours.
Ah, the pup is a female!
Hey, Luna, come here!
And her name's Luna?
I've been keeping an eye on her.
She stays really close to the store, doesn't she?
It's dangerous with
all the traffic here.
I've trained her not to
leave the sidewalk.
What a clever girl! I bet she attracts customers!
Everyone likes to pet her.
When she's inside, people come in
even if they don't plan
to buy anything.
They ask about her and wonder
why she's not outside.
What a great pup!
Sorry to interrupt you, while you were working.
Thanks.
Thank you! Goodbye.
Hey, Luna, you like it outside on the sidewalk, huh?
Ah, someone else is stopping to pet her.
She is a popular girl!
Bye-bye, Luna.
Oh, look, there's another pup!
Seems there are a lot of people with dogs here.
The afternoon sun is really bright.
Lots of people over there.
Are they all sunbathing?
Ah, here's the Arno River.
And that must be the famous Ponte Vecchio.
And look, there are buildings on the bridge.
This is the road over the bridge.
But it looks just like an ordinary street.
With stores lining both sides of the street.
A jewelry store... and it's huge!
That's amazing!
And this is where the bridge ends...
And now, I've come to the edge of the Historic Centre.
Is that a church on the left?
It's so small and charming!
That reminds me of what that man told me...
that small churches can be very attractive.
Oh, I wonder if that man works there.
OK, here I go!
Excuse me...
Hello.
Hello! Do you work in this church?
This was the prayer room in
San Niccolo Church.
We converted it into a showroom.
Showroom?
That's right.
In a church?
Would you like to come in?
You don't mind? I'd love to.
This is exciting...
It's a bit narrow.
Thank you.
A textile showroom.
Oh, my goodness! How lovely!
He said that this was once a prayer room.
Ah, look, there's a religious painting on the ceiling.
May I see some of your textiles？
Yes, of course.
Here's a cocktail napkin, for example.
We delivered these to Mr. Obama
when he was president.
We delivered the same ones
to Mr. Trump.
Wow, that's impressive.
Are you from Japan?
Yes.
I'd like to show you something.
This may surprise you.
Would you like to see it?
Yes!
Come this way, please.
What...?
Japan, Japan...
Where is he leading me?
A piano?
Is he going to play?
Japanese song.
Do you know it?
"Sakura Sakura!"
I'm happy you recognized it.
It's a great piece.
I just played what was written and
you recognized it as "Sakura Sakura."
That makes me very happy!
Of course I recognized it!
But how do you know this piece?
It's famous.
Everyone in the world knows
that tune now.
Really?!
When I first heard it,
it eased my heart.
I loved it from the start.
Really? Do you know the meaning of cherry blossoms?
The song expresses
cherry buds opening up.
Many people enjoy
their beauty in parks,
but the blossoms last only
a short time.
There is only a limited time
they can be seen.
Just like opportunities in life.
Wow, you know all that!
Thank you.
Come again. It'd be nice
to meet up in Japan.
Take care.
I will. Goodbye!
How surprising to meet an Italian who's so fond of Japanese cherry blossoms.
It makes me happy!
I never thought I'd hear someone play "Sakura Sakura" in Florence!
Well, let me check the map.
I crossed the Arno River over Ponte Vecchio and walked along the south side.
And now... I'm here.
This feels like a commercial district.
There seems to be a shop up ahead on the left.
Look at the customers waiting to get in.
Huh? There are things hanging on the wall.
What are they... keys?
Look at all the keys!
What's going on here?
Is this an art project of some sort?
I'm going to ask the person in the shop.
Hello!
Hello.
I am curious about these keys hanging on the wall.
Come in that way
and I'll explain.
You don't mind?
Come on in.
Thank you.
So where is the entrance...
Ah, here it is.
Oh, it's a restaurant.
Hello!
Hello. Welcome.
I'm sorry to barge in on you like this, but I'm so curious about those keys...
We started it about 10 years ago.
Now they're like a work of art.
Customers lose their keys.
Then they come back
looking for them.
Naturally.
We put up apartment keys
and anything that looks important.
I see.
Other things, too, like glasses.
Here's a child's shoe.
People lose a lot of things, don't they?
I found this in the piazza.
I hope the kid got a new pair!
It really is a child's shoe!
He was probably in a stroller
and the parents didn't notice.
I suppose you're right.
You never know, someone might come here looking for it.
Do any of these items have a special meaning for you?
There was one very pretty key.
It was to an apartment near
Ponte Vecchio bridge.
It had a child's photo attached,
so I was worried.
But they came and found it here.
I remember how happy
the person was to retrieve it.
I bet they were!
Thank you!
Thanks. Bye!
Bye!
A wall covered with lost and found items.
It seems appropriate for the commercial part of town.
Okay, where do I go from here?
Huh? I wonder if she's looking for her keys.
Excuse me. Hello!
Hello.
Are you looking for keys?
I lost the key to my scooter.
I often come to look but
haven't found it yet.
Do you live nearby?
No, but I have a studio.
A studio? What do you make?
Marbled paper.
Marbled paper?
Come to my studio if you like.
It's not far.
Really?
Of course!
This is exciting! I'm following you.
Ah!
Almost there.
Something just came down from above...
I'll put more in - they're delicious.
OK!
The old school way...
OK, pull it up!
He put vegetables in the bucket.
A 19th century method.
That's clever and convenient!
- Thanks!
- See you next time.
Very convenient.
That's right.
Bye!
What a friendly neighborhood!
These are the people you meet
in Florence.
Here we are.
This is my studio.
Thank you for inviting me in.
This is where we work.
Ah, your studio!
My uncle usually works here.
He's the fifth-generation owner.
He makes books.
And over here...
This is my world.
So this is your world?
This is where you make marbled paper?
I made all of these.
This is where I work my magic.
I put patterns on paper.
So that's marbled paper there behind you?
Yes. It's dyed with special designs.
- All made by hand.
- Beautiful!
It's an old technique from Asia
dating back more than 1,000 years.
It entered Europe at the end of
the 17th century.
Stunning!
What a fascinating design!
How do people use this paper?
When it first appeared in Europe
it was used to paper
the inside of book covers.
Inside of book covers?
Books were very precious.
They were bound in leather,
and decorated with gold.
Marbled paper was used
on the inside of the book covers.
That looks so amazing!
How do you make the design?
Would you like to see?
Yes, please!
This is gelatin water made by
boiling seaweed.
Gelatin water...?
Today I feel like passionate red.
Wow! The color's spreading!
The color floats on the surface.
Fascinating! And the colors don't fade.
I'll show you another technique.
You can draw out the colors like this.
That's incredible! Like latte art.
The colors stay so bright and don't mix together.
This is the only tool I use - a comb.
Oh my goodness! How gorgeous!
And a bit more?
Looks like feathers. And the patterns stay so vivid!
This is the moment of truth.
Let's see how we do.
All the colors are absorbed instantly.
It's already done. It's very fast.
Really?
Let's see what it looks like.
So cool! It's like magic!
There you have it.
Wonderful!
You can only make
one sheet at a time.
So each time is unique, huh?
Hand-made, one sheet at a time.
What an amazing craft!!
Yes, It's very magical!
I love this work. It's wonderful.
I can tell you love it when I see you work.
You look like you are having so much fun!
And what are you planning for your future?
Since I like it so much,
I need to do some experimenting.
I want to forge ahead
beyond tradition.
I think I need to create new designs.
You have the soul of a Florentine artist.
Of course!
If I hadn't been born here, my
imagination would be different.
I wouldn't have my
current sensibilities.
That's the wonderful thing to say.
Your work is so creative and so are your sensibilities.
Thank you.
I look forward to
meeting you again someday.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
How amazing to see a paper tradition that goes back to more than 300 years being preserved.
I guess Florence is a city that nurtures the creative soul of its artists, just like in the old days.
Hmm, well, I guess I'll head back across the river.
It's six in the evening and almost dark.
Ah! Just look! The merry-go-round is all lit up!
It looks so beautiful at night!
Well, the mood at night, is certainly different from that in the daytime...
I wonder if that guy I talked with before is still working?
Hello!
Good evening.
You weren't here this afternoon!
No. He's my younger brother.
We take turns working the booth.
In shifts.
I see.
It looks so beautiful at night!
Thanks.
We use old-fashioned lightbulbs.
They give a warmer glow.
I can see that. It does feel very warm.
Thanks. Bye!
Bye!
The merry-go-round is still young compared to the history of Florence.
Interesting how new things gradually work their way into the fabric of the city.
I imagine that the people of Florence will continue to carefully preserve their traditions while creating new history.
Florence is such an amazingly warm and wonderful city!