MY TRIP TO ITALY. FLORENCE.

 Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is located in the city center, on the cathedral square. The  Cathedral has the shape of a Latin cross and has been designed so that  could accommodate all the population of the city (at the time of  construction - 90,000). Interesting that, when left alone to build the dome, no architect dared not set to work,  so the dome designed by  jeweler Filippo Brunelleschi. He suggested a brilliant idea and achieved its implementation. 

                        

                   

Work was complicated by high altitude and the fact that scaffolding were not  standing on the ground and fastened to the vertical walls of the  cathedral. Brunelleschi  projected first crane that lifted all the necessary material, even there was a kitchen, on top so as not to waste time on the descent and  ascent. As a result, after 15 years it has turned light, soaring dome 42 meters in height. The diameter of the dome is 43 meters, it is built of brick and has two domes. The domes have the space between and there is a narrow spiral staircase of 463 steps, on which you can climb to the top. 

         

After  130 years after the death of the architect Giorgio Vasari  and Federico Zuccari (Michelangelo school) painted dome,  following the example of the famous frescoes of Michelangelo in the  Sistine Chapel. The painting was done by the biblical story "Judgment Day." At the top of the dome, Jesus Christ - the Chief Justice, on his right side the Virgin Mary, on the left, Adam and Eve. There were made portraits of great men - the Pope, the bishops,  patrons, self-portraits of the artists who painted the dome. On the dome gathered the symbology of the Catholic Church. For 5 years of work, they painted the entire dome and it is the largest painting in the world - 3600 square meters.  Unfortunately your camera is not designed to take such pictures, but still.

  You can also climb to the observation deck, which opens a magnificent view of the city. 

                                           

To say that this place is very impressive, is to say nothing. May be its such a city legend that some the most sensitive people, who visit Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral could feel not very well under the influence of the energy of this place. I am a very sensitive person, and after a visit to the cathedral and the contemplation of the frescoes, I did not want to talk to anyone for a some time. My husband and my friend even got a little worried, but after a while I came back to normal. And when we were coming up to the Cathedral we saw some ambulances parked near by.

 Further on the course locate the statues of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, Boccaccio, Galileo, Giotto, Botticelli, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Niccolo Machiavelli, Raphael, Amerigo Vespucci, Giorgio Vasari. After Florence is the birthplace of this great geniuses. Here are a few photos of them. 

           

               

                  

Next, the copy of a marble statue of "David" by Michelangelo that stands at the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. Its 5-meter heigh  adorable marble statue, became a symbol of the Florentine  Republic and one of the peaks not only of Renaissance art, but also of  human genius as a whole. Currently, the original statue is in the Academy of Fine Arts here in Florence. The statue depicts a nude David, focused on the upcoming fight with Goliath. Interesting fact: scientists calculated that one muscle between the right shoulder blade and the spine of the statue  is missing, it was made in order to achieve greater  artistic expression! 

Another exelent piece of art is the statue of  "Perseus with the head of Medusa" - a bronze statue by Italian sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. And it is THE ORIGINAL and not a copy as many of the surrounding statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi. And its also great!

 Porcellino fountain is located near the large market. According to legend, in the XVI century in the city apired the wild boar, its roar terrified people. Frightened Florentines were hiding in their homes, and only one little boy  went up to the animal and patted him on the muzzle. Boar subsided and soon left the city.
Nowadays, according to tradition, it is necessary to make a wish and put a coin in the boar's mouth. Coin slip under his hooves, where the grille, and if it falls into narrow slits, then make a wish wich will certainly come true. Thereafter, you should thank the Porcellino and rubbed his nose. Was done!
As you can see I`m looking a little bit tired on this photo.  It was realy so, because on that day in the morning we were in Lucca, than Florance and our next stop was Venice (in next post).

The last place we visited in Florance was Ponte Vecchio  (Old Bridge).

Ponte Vecchio  (Old Bridge) - the oldest and most famous of the seven  bridges in Florence. It is very impressive and interesting construction, crossing the river Arno.  In  the middle of the XIV century, immediately after the construction,  trade rows appeared on the bridge that made the bridge unique. Today in the world there are only two such bridges with stores, and the second one is also in Italy, Rialto Bridge (Venice). Previously,  there were first butchers, then grocers, blacksmiths, and other  traders, but lately because of the "wonderfull" smell was made the decision to leave on the bridge only jewelry stores on the bridge. Since that time it received its second name "Golden" bridge. The bridge is not so extended, storekeepers had to build their stores in breadth, so they stick out over the bridge and hang over the water for several meters. We were out of time, but we visited this wonderfull place.  You can go blind from the radiance storefronts with jewelry, I wanted to buy it all! 

 Hope that you enjoy my post :)   

I am always open to feedback, and would love to know your thoughts about this subject and please do not forget to follow me.   

Other posts about my trip to Italy
MY TRIP TO ITALY. LUCCA.

 My trip to Italy. Pisa.

My trip to Italy. The first day. Pope, St. Peter and others :)

My trip to Italy. The 2nd day (Coliseum). 

Sincerely yours @witchcraftblog