Firenze – Italy’s Flower
Florence/Firenze was a “must-see” when we visited Italy because so many people had told me this capital of Italy’s Tuscany region was their favorite place in Italy—some saying their favorite place in the world.
Firenze, we learned, means “flower,” and Florence certainly was as beautiful and as varied as one of those lovely late-summertime bouquets we pick up at the farmer’s market this time of year.
The massive Basilica of Santa Croce, the world’s largest Franciscan church, sits on Piazza di Santa Croce, gracing the heart of a beautiful city which is filled with stunning art and rich history.
Thousands of tourists visit Florence each year. We met and visited with people from all over the world while waiting in line or eating lunch at an outdoor restaurant.
Representative of hundreds of magnificent stain-glassed windows we saw while in Europe.
One highlight of our time in Florence was spending over two hours with Emily Johnson, a Coeur d’Alene native and good friend of my physical therapist, Neil, who introduced us. Emily is currently based in Firenze, working with Cru, a Christian based organization. She is a trained and talented graphic artist who loves God, the arts, Italy, gelato, and finding ways to connect women’s heart to God’s greater story for them. What a delight she was!!
The perfect body of a young David who fought the giant Goliath is a marble marvel of art housed in Accademia Gallery in Florence. It was sculpted by Michelangelo in 1501-1504 from a massive block of marble and became a symbol of freedom and liberty for the Italian city.
I was drawn to this scene in a Florence museum. Entitled Adoration of the Child with Two Angels and St. Joseph, it is tempera on a wooden panel, painted by Lorenzo di Credi in the late 1400’s.
21st Century artists must feel right at home in the Renaissance city of Firenze.
You may recall from a previous post, I chose “vibrant” as my adjective to describe Italy. Why even stores selling kitchen appliance and dishes are vibrant!
Next time around, I’ll make sure to purchase a Firenze sweatshirt to help me remember the incredible experience it is to spend time in this remarkable city!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little peek at one of the world’s marvelous cities,
