This morning we woke early, enjoyed breakfast and headed into the heart of Firenze. We started the day by wishing Angela Buon Cumpleannos!
We started with the Gallery Academia and saw Michaelangelo's "David". Most of us had seen photos of this stature or images on screen, etc but none have done it justice. The thing is HUGE. It now weighs in at 5 tons! It was carved of just one piece of marble. So how big was the original block of marble before he began chipping away? We learned about his technique and how he personally selected the blocks of marble from the quarry.
This gallery also had other pieces of art for us to view and learn about - but the highlight was the David.
Upon entering the city this AM, we encountered a lot of students. We found ourselves in the middle of a student protest!
We next made our way to the Duomo. The seat of the bishop in Florence, this cathedral is breathtaking! Marble floors that go on forever. The domed ceiling with frescos was magnifient. It even has a clock - a 24 hour clock!
We heard from our guide Alessandra, lit candles in prayer and were awed by the art (some done by Donatello himself).
We started with the Gallery Academia and saw Michaelangelo's "David". Most of us had seen photos of this stature or images on screen, etc but none have done it justice. The thing is HUGE. It now weighs in at 5 tons! It was carved of just one piece of marble. So how big was the original block of marble before he began chipping away? We learned about his technique and how he personally selected the blocks of marble from the quarry.
This gallery also had other pieces of art for us to view and learn about - but the highlight was the David.
Upon entering the city this AM, we encountered a lot of students. We found ourselves in the middle of a student protest!
We next made our way to the Duomo. The seat of the bishop in Florence, this cathedral is breathtaking! Marble floors that go on forever. The domed ceiling with frescos was magnifient. It even has a clock - a 24 hour clock!
We heard from our guide Alessandra, lit candles in prayer and were awed by the art (some done by Donatello himself).
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