Fanciful Florence
It’s taken me quite some time to approach this post about the magnificent city of Florence. It’s not that I had nothing to say. Quite the contrary, I didn’t know where to start, how to edit the array of photos I’d taken and where to leave off. Finally, I decided to touch upon the truly sublime and leave the delightful daily pleasures for another time.
I easily could have done an entire post on the enchanting Il Duomo, Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore and sure enough the magical gothic structure figures prominently in this post. I’ve been to Florence several times, but each time I stand anew before this magnificent marble work, I find it utterly takes my breath away.
Directly across from the basilica’s facade stands the Baptistry with its awe inspiring “Gates of Paradise” bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. These are actually a copy of the original doors which are being restored and protected nearby in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.
One of the most emblematic images of Florence is the cupola of Il Duomo di Firenze, or as it is simply known, Brunelleschi’s dome.
The sherbet colors of the city extend to the buildings that line the Arno, leading to the Ponte Vecchio.
Not to be outdone by the vibrant architecture, the local produce markets display a cacophony of colors.
The art in Florence is everywhere and nowhere better than in the Galleria dell’Accademia, where one can see Michelangelo’s David. No matter how many times you see copies of this work, to stand before the original is an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a glimpse of the mosaic ceiling that crowns the inside of the Baptistry.
Each structure is more magnificent than the next with paintings, stonework, architecture and metalwork showcased generously. This is an interior view of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella.
A look at the terra-cotta rooftops from the cupola of the Duomo is an experience not to be missed (except I missed it due to my fear of heights! I waited at the bottom taking endless photos while my family took this shot from the top.)
In the interior of the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, one is treated to Vasari’s fresco inside Brunelleschi’s Cupola.
A close-up of Vasari’s fresco reveals the brilliance of his work.
Not far from the Duomo is the Palazzo Vecchio, a former residence and offices of the Medici family.
A little further afield is the facade of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, a simpler reflection of Il Duomo’s marble face. Our hotel was situated on this delightful piazza.
A gorgeous spring day along the banks of the Arno unleashes a veritable crayon box full of pastels.
A conservative estimate says I took over 100 pictures of the Duomo, circling about it from every angle. Just a few more glimpses will finish out this post, but it was nearly impossible to narrow down to so few.
Truly breathtaking!
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Wow. You’ve really done justice to this amazing city! Five years ago my husband and I went to Italy with the intention of seeing Rome, Florence and Venice. When we got to Rome, we decided that there was just too much to see to go anywhere else! Next week, we’re going back to see Venice, and I hope we won’t wait another 5 years to see Florence. It seems that the entire Italian peninsula is one gigantic museum! Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos!
My pleasure and I wish you a wonderful trip! In case you haven’t seen it yet, one of my very first posts was on Venice. The link is here: http://designthusiasm.com/travelfolio/
A beautiful post indeed. Only a hundred pictures of il Duomo? I always marvel at the weight distribution of David and the perfection of the marble block Michelangelo chose. When we were there, Ghiberti’s doors still graced the Baptistry.
I would happily look at each and every one of the pictures you took. My travelling days are over and I would dearly appreciate seeing lots more through your eyes.
Thanks for the lovely comment!! Actually, the Baptistry was covered in scaffolding when we were there, so I could only get the doors, and had to get up really close to cut out the scaffolding. I have several posts from France and Italy, so there’s more for you to see. It’s under the Travelfolio section of my blog. I’ve got a Rome post coming soon… 🙂
Brings back some great memories.
Yeah, I miss it too… 😉
It is very hard to choose a favourite here. I love Florence and I love your photography – both interiors and landscapes from above.
Thank you so much, Lori!!
magnificent buildings and artwork. thanks for sharing.
Thanks! My pleasure… 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
One of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen!
Hope I am fortunate enough to revisit.
Well taken shots friend.
Thank you so much!! I must say, no matter how many times I visit, it always takes my breath away… 🙂
Beautiful shots of Florence. Just got back from Venice – so this has to be next on my to-visit list.
Ah Venice! We went in April and I was so pleasantly surprised. After years of thinking it would be too dirty or too touristy, I just loved it! Did one of my first posts on Venice. You can see it here: http://designthusiasm.com/travelfolio/
Thanks for stopping by!! Hope you get to Florence soon… 🙂