Mornings in Florence, Part 1

This year we are trying to do more short posts to share more of our daily life and small activities, which are what make every day a small adventure some sort. Last week was filled with so many of these that I will quickly summarize here.

A Morning Visit to Ognissanti

The church of Ognissanti (All Saints) is one of Cathy's favorite small churches in Florence. Rather modest from the front and off the main tourist trail, it is usually quite empty except for a dedicated few who come to appreciate its small treasures.

These treasures include two frescoes of St. Augustine by Botticelli and St. Jerome by Dominico Ghirlandaio (the lighting wasn't the best to capture the rich colors).

St Augustine by Botticelli

St Jerome by Ghirlandaio

 

 

Most touching of all to me, is the humble stone marker that indicates Botticelli's final resting place in the church. This magnificent artist whose room of paintings at the Uffizi is packed to overflowing attracts only few to his tomb.

There is, however, always a single rose and now notes left on the rail. I stop and spend a few minutes reflecting on the amazing beauty Botticelli gave the world and the events through which he lived--from Lorenzo the Magnificent through Savonarola.

A further treat was that the cenacolo (refectory) of Ognissanti was open that day - a rare occurrence - so I was able to get into see Ghirlandiao's fresco of the last supper. Here in Florence one quickly learns that you could dedicate days to visiting versions of the Last Supper by various artists, but this is one of my favorites and so my morning was complete before heading off to lunch with friends!

 

 

L'ultima Cena (Last Supper) by Ghirlandaio

 

 

 

Fall Fashions 2013

 

Fashion is one of the most fun things here in Florence. The shop windows are always decorated to wow with eye candy and this fall is a treat. We were also lucky enough to be out one evening which happened to be designated as "Fashion Night". All the major fashion houses were open late, and models were wandering the throughout the center showing off the latest in Italian shoes and clothing. Fashion will be an ongoing chapter of the blog so...to be continued.

 

Ferragamo windows

 

 

More to come!