Monuments, Tombs & Tournaments

Florence, Italy: Day 2. So many churches, so little time...

Brilliant frescos inside Santa Croce (Capella Castellani)

Churches and views were obvious choices for further exploration.  Michelangelo’s Tomb and frescoes by Giotto drew us to Santa Croce, a Gothic church (1294) and although we didn’t have it entirely to ourselves, the ticket queue was minimal and the view from the piazza back to the church impressive.  In Renaissance times the piazza was used for tournaments and other public spectacles, including the lavish wedding of Lorenzo the Magnificent. 

Santa Croce

Chancel decorated within an inch of its life!

Inside, the space was breathtaking and artworks quite overwhelming - entirely as it was designed to be.  I’m not sure that Michelangelo would have been too pleased with his rather “ordinary” tomb, but at least he’s beside quite a few other greats and monuments to more of Florence’s talented citizens.  It is important to note that the Renaissance was more than just art & architecture - writers, politicians and scientist's too, number in those who made this period so significant.  Rather than a lengthy explanation of all the amazing detail, here’s just a photo or ten.  (I can hear those sighs from here, you know!) 

There are a vast number of chapels to explore too, including Capella dei Pazzi (Brunelleschi) off the outside cloister.  Nearby, a small museum is housed in the refectory.  By the time the Galley Slave had taken it all in, the Cap’n had seated himself in the shaded cloister, contemplated life and read several more pages of his latest book (a history of Rome, no less). 

Michelangelo's Tomb

Dante's Tomb

Fresco inside the Museum:
angels wings

Could this be the
Patron Saint of Cats?

It was time to make our way back to the hotel for sundowners - some traditions must never be ignored!  And given that we had been “stung” €15 at a gelato shop for 2 cups, the Cap‘n said we couldn’t afford dinner.  So moderation was the order of the day and we made do with a beer & sandwich (it was a huge helping of roast pork on crusty, herbed & salted focaccia) and that fabulous night view of the Duomo from our hotel room!   

Gelato, like art, is taken very seriously

Perhaps GS could just have her own David to take home.  But wait, there’s just so many to choose from…