FLORENCE

Similar to Venice, I didn’t really have any expectations about Florence. I was excited to experience the city, but I had no prior knowledge about it. I felt that it was similar to Venice in the sense that it was not as large as some of the cities we had previously visited, but it was also a nice contrast as it was structured more closely to the layout of most modern cities. You could still see the authentic character of the city in its architecture, but you were also able to enjoy some of the modern updates of 21st century. Take the two classrooms that we used during our time there. It was a very narrow building that you required you climb up several flights of stairs to get to the classrooms and offices and the floor was covered in what looks to be like an old, brick colored tile or stone. Once you got into the classrooms, they each had their own unique fresco that was clearly done years before and represents the artistic style and history of the Florence. The classrooms also had the arched walls that are frequent seen in Florentine design.

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The Duomo is Florence’s most well know attraction and one of the most renowned Cathedrals in the world. The Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most impressive elements of the church. More than 500 years after its completion, it still remains the largest dome in the world. To get to the viewing deck at the top of the dome, you must hike up 463 steep, narrow steps. While it is exhausting and draining, the climb it gives you a better understanding and appreciation of the extensive thought and hard work that went into the construction of not only the dome but also the cathedral itself. Once I arrived at the top, I was blown away by the breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. It makes you feel so small and helps you realize how vast and beautiful the world really is. I believe that the architect of the dome, Filippo Brunelleschi, intentionally included this extremely elevated balcony to raise us high, creating a feeling of closeness to god as well as provoke understanding and appreciation for all that God has created.

The frescos on the inner wall of the dome were just as exquisit as the view of the city. Painted by Giorgio Vasari, it depicts heaven, hell, and the world on earth. It features dramatic scenes such as people falling headfirst into hell as well as majestic angels and holy souls perched on pristine white clouds high above hell to show their purity. In the third picture, you can see that in the center of one of the walls is a massive portrait of Jesus in which holy light beams out from around him. It is clear that while there are many other small scene that are depicted, Jesus is the center of all of them. The truth is that they are not able to stand on their own as strong images that create a story which emphasizes that we would all be lost and our lives would be meaningless without him.