Written by a lover of Florence, The Heart of the Renaissance describes the Christian traditions and legends, as well as the Greek myths, shown in the great works of art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance. Exploring the historical contexts of the stories of local saints and miraculous works of art, as well as describing the lives of the art patrons and artists, the book shows how and why Florence became the centre of the revival of Greek and Classical culture, making the city The Heart of the Renaissance. Giving precise locations to the city’s works of art and notable buildings, the book acts as a practical guide to art lovers exploring Florence, as well as being an appreciation of the splendours of the city, its history, its art and its architecture.