Today was an art-lover's dream. Especially if said art-lover also loves sleeping in late. When we finally got up (and by we I mean Amy and Mike) we headed into the Piazza della Republica to meet our tour guide for the Accademia.
The Accademia's claim to fame is being local address for Michelangelo's David (below). Our tour guide took us through about a century of art history leading up to the Renaissance, and then gave us background on the building, the Medeci family, and Michelangelo himself. We saw a collection of Michelangelo's unfinished sculptures, called the Prisoner (or Slaves). David himself is huge and beautiful, posing and considering his monstrous opponent, Goliath.
After the tour ended, I headed back to the square to meet the next tour while the fam headed to the Duomo. The Duomo was constructed with a huge hole in its ceiling, meant for a dome. Only at the time, no one could construct a dome that large. They built it on faith. Not too many years later, Brunelleschi completed the task.
Mike and Amy climbed the bell tower and got some fantastic views. I guess the climb was pretty tough.
I headed over to the Uffizi Museum with the next tour and had an incredible time. The tour was pretty informative. The guide was a serious Flourentine woman--she takes great pride in her home city and casually bashes other cities and countries. The Uffizi houses one of the greatest Renaissance collections in the world, including works by Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, and Botticelli (including The Birth of Venus, below).
We played Rummy and ate a great dinner. On the way, we saw a guy with some awesome jeans. We had our favorite waiter tonight--so fun!
On to Rome. Ciao.
5 comments:
I am loving reading about your adventures! Thanks for entertaining the people at home!
Hi Taylor Family! Sounds like you are faring well in Italy! My favorite country also! Hope the ankle is better, Ann. Emily, you're doing a great job. I remember relying on Jackie to get us everywhere - it does get weary eventually. Be strong!! Love you all :)
I distinctly remember not being able to take pictures there. Have they changed the rules or were you being sneaky?! I'm so glad for you.
Ohh you guys look like you are having such a wonderful time!!!! I am so jealous!!! I miss you, Taylors and Mike! Have fun and be safe.
Ann-Victoria is right--no pictures in either museum. I borrowed from Google Image Search without giving any credit. Please excuse my flagrant copyright infringement. Just wanted you to see what I saw.
Post a Comment