Today (thus far) we visited four churches — all with amazing architecture and great history.
We started out at Cenacolo di Ognissanti. The church, which dates to the 13th century, was the parish of the Vespucci family, including Amerigo (America’s namesake).
From there, we went to Il Duomo and climbed 470 plus steps (so I’m told) for an amazing view of Florence. The building — both inside and outside — was breathtaking. The first stone of the church was laid on Sept. 8, 1296.
For lunch, we went to Il Grande Nuti. I had a calzoni salsiccia (sausage calzone) and a local beer named Nastro Azzuro.
After lunch, we headed to the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The church was consecrated in 393 by Saint Ambrose of Milan. It was reconsecrated in 1059. From the outside, the church looked very old. Inside, the building was stunning.
The fourth church we visited was Santa Maria Novella, consecrated in 1094. In 1242, work to expand the church began.
The paintings inside the churches are amazing. It’s amazing to think of people painting on the domes ceilings 600 years ago (give or take a few years).
That’s what we’ve done thus far. But the day is not even close to over.
Hope all is well. Talk to you soon.
Todd
