Breakfast at Hotel Baglioni.
A very busy hotel, beautiful, not particularly helpful staff, but we were a bit surly by now too...
Santa Maria Novella.
Built by Dominican Friars in 1279-1357. St. Dominico began the Dominican religious order to help make learning and teaching more systematic. The devotion of the rosary is attributed to Dominic, a revolutionary who was canonized in 1234.
Our first view of the Arno.
We crossed the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest remaining bridge in Florence, built in 1345.
Too busy for us though...
We followed this cobblestone street past a former residence of Galileo. He was so controversial to suggest the Copernicus notion that the sun not the earth was the center our galaxy. It wasn't until 1992 that Pope John Paul II admitted the church errors in handling his 'situation.' A statue to honor him in the Vatican was suggested but the plan has been suspendered!
Also this biatcho.
Porta San Giorgio, the oldest gate in the city, built in 1260.
Clearly the Italians were most excellent at building what can remain...
Forte Belvedere.
Cappuccinos and views...
Lunch and views at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Firenze...
Porta San Niccolo, a medieval gate built in 1320s on the Arno.
Santo Spirito, means Saint Mary of the Holy Spirit.
Sacristy holds Michelangelo's crucifix.
There are 38 side chapels filled with art, massive church pieces,
available to view for anyone who enters.
Enter every cathedral.
Enter every one...
Dinner in the Piazza Santo Spirito.
Handmade pasta, always with the handmade pasta, firm and juicy.
Back across the river at dusk.
Gelato outside Piazza Strozzi, with original torches, lamps and rings from 1536.
to be continued...
We stayed across from Santa Maria Novella....... I think our hotel was named that, too.... so many hotels...so much.... Great pictures. Did you go to Siena? My favorite!
ReplyDeleteWe didn't go to Sienna. I will look it up and hopefully catch it, Pisa and Cortana on my next trip (fingers crossed).
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