Farewell Florence!

Today, when I selected the photographs to post in this entry, I noticed something.  Every time I deal with a large structure photographically, I tend to break it up into smaller sections.  I will have to go back through the Italian pictures to see if I ever took a photo of the structure in its entirety.  Interesting that I wasn't even aware I did that. 

Anyway, with no more wasting of time here are nooks and crannies and odd angles and bits and pieces of Giotto's Campanile to start with.

 Followed by an odd angle of il Duomo di Firenze or the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Even though the early morning light hadn't yet reached its full glory, it was much better than the previous day.  This day there was blue sky behind Brunelleschi's dome (completed in 1436 - Renaissance!).

Back to the bell tower.  It is hard to comprehend how long it took to build all the various parts of any of these cathedrals.  What makes it even more amazing is realising that over a century and more ,through the minds of many great architects, the end results don't look cobbled together. 

Another look between buildings . . .

This time I'm going to share only one of the many lovely pieces that are part of the facade, and I know absolutely nothing about it.  Maybe you can tell me - or at least explain the significance of this statue:

Wow, she is beautiful, isn't she?  I am bemused by what she is carrying.  It looks like a plume, but is it supposed to be a sheaf of grain?  Is she Ceres? but wait, Ceres isn't a saint; she's the goddess of agriculture.  I may be mixing religions here and maybe metaphors, too.

This building is across the street from the Duomo so it must have something to do with church business, I think.  It's decoration is very special.  

Wonder how long ago this painting was done.  Has it ever had any restoration?  Will it before this work is completely gone?

Here is more of the technique I was going to ask Sharon about but forgot (naturally!).  Painting? Stencilling?  I don't know, and I'm sorry it's so hard to see.  The overhang, the lack of direct light, and the distance away from all played a part.  Look at those windows; wish I could see the light coming through them from the inside of the building.

And now a rapid run through the end of our time in Florence starting with this amusing look at a unique building's upper floors.

And a wonderful spot of color with all these leather handbags for sale.  And no, I didn't purchase any, but I did like the bright colors!

Then another decorated building.  Really lovely . . .

Finally, really special windows . . . I love the blue - almost a periwinkle against the stone.

And those same windows with a totally different look below.

And then we were off to the train station to leave Florence for Venice. See you there!