In Florence

After a long day traveling from California to Florence (21 hours, door to door), this first post will be just a few pictures taken while walking about town, tired but pleased to be here.  My apartment is in the San Frediano section of town, one of the best preserved parts of a very well preserved old city.

The apartment is on the third storey (Italians would say second floor) looking out over the street.  Very close by is the Cappella Brancacci, where Michelangelo went to study the works of Masaccio.  In addition to this section's art-filled churches, here one thinks of writers.  Florence, of course, was Dante's home (until he was exiled, to the future chagrin of Florentines).  However, also not far from the apartment are the lodgings where Dostoevsky wrote The Idiot.  And very close by is Casa Guidi, the home of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning.  Just inside the entryway of Casa Guidi is a quote by the latter.

In Florence one is surrounded by art, and not just in the museums and churches.  Came upon this chalkwork on a busy street.

Unfortunately, vehicles were already driving over it.  Perhaps less fleeting will be this doorhandle... or handdoordle.

Hmmm, one seems to be treated more amiably on the way out than on the way in.  Speaking of doors, how about a panel from Ghiberti's doors of the Baptistry, referred to by Michelangelo as the Gates of Paradise.

(Note: after many centuries, the outdoor panels are fine copies, with the originals in a nearby museum.)  Time for a glimpse of the Baptistry, the Duomo, with Brunelleschi's dome, and Giotto's Campanile, or bell tower.

Just one more door, here's the very beautifully detailed main entrance to the Duomo. 

This is a view of Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge. 

Finally, one can hardly help reflecting on how well Florence and gelato blend together.

Grazie e ciao.

Italy 2013

In late February 2013 I'll be arriving in Florence.  Will be there for a month, then in Assisi for most of April, followed by travels to Venice and beyond.  Hoping to do regular posts, sharing some of Tuscany, Umbria and Venice in the springtime.  Pace e bene!