The Florence Syndrome (also known as Stendhal Syndrome or hyperkulturemia) is a psychosomatic disorder. It is a physical response to extreme, overpowering beauty. The symptoms may include a racing heartbeat, vertigo, fainting, confusion and even hallucinations.
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| [Michelangelo's David] |
These symptoms usually occur when the victim is exposed to particularly beautiful classical art or a high concentration of classical art (sculptures, paintings, etc). The term can also be used to describe a similar reaction to a surfeit of choice in other circumstances, e.g. when confronted with immense beauty in the natural world.
The Florence Syndrome is well documented, especially in the Tuscan city. According to The Telegraph
[1]: “Staff at Florence’s Santa Maria Nuova hospital are accustomed to dealing with tourists suffering from dizzy spells and disorientation after admiring the statue of David.”
[1] See here.
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