We began our exploration of Florence with a tour of "Medici Family Secrets and Chapels". To understand the history of Florence it helps to understand the history of the Medici. The Medici Chapels also provide insight into the life of Michelangelo.
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| Medici Chapels |
The Chapel of the Princes was built in 1604-1640. This Baroque style mausoleum with its huge cupola and lavish interior were planned as monuments to the greatness of the Medici. Its sumptuous octagonal interior was conceived to hold the grand ducal tombs and is completely covered with hard stones or marble.
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| Chapel of the Princes |
The New Sacristy was built by Michelangelo between 1520 and 1534 and is a reminder that the Medici were enlightened patrons. Of note in this chapel are the sculptures by Michelangelo that represent "Day and Night", and "Dawn and Dusk".
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| "Day and Night" |
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| "Dawn and Dusk" |
We took a day trip from Florence to explore more of Tuscany.
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| Siena |
In Siena I was filled with awe by the Siena Cathedral and its library.
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| Siena Cathedral |
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| Piccolomini Library in Siena Cathedral |
Next we visited the Medieval town of San Gimignano. It is encircled by 13th-century walls and its skyline of medieval towers includes the stone Torre Grossa.
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| San Gimignano with Torre Grossa |
Pisa: What can I say? The Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitely a remarkable architectural structure!
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| Leaning Tower of Pisa |
My husband took a picture of me holding up the Tower with my hand. I must have pushed too hard because when I walked around the Tower it appeared to be more straight. 🤔
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| Back of Leaning Tower of Pisa |
More of Florence to come...