Frenzy Firenze

We are leaving Florence with so many visual images that words seem inadequate if not inappropriate. That said, I would like to capture some of our experiences. We joined the frenzy of the city, with its clamor of cars and scooters and bicycles down narrow streets and cobbled ways, visiting churches and art institutes. But as Martin commented, “It all works!”

Folks at our hotel commented they visited the academia and felt ‘done in.’ In contrast, we were warriors, cruising in a different mode. We managed about 3-4 stops each day. Martin made history if not the Guinness book of records by being one of the oldest people ever—days before he turns 80--climbing to the top of Santa Maria del Fiore, affectionately called The Duomo-- 476 steps up to the dome! He just beamed the rest of the day—and rightly so! Marty and Martin, shown here at the top of the dome, were awed by the view as they stepped outside, for a complete, panoramic view of the city, both scary and magnificent.

While Marty and Martin did the climb, Teddi and I listened to the audiotour of this lovely cathedral. This tape began with a welcome statement we did not hear anywhere else, that the Duomo is home for everyone and we were welcome there as part of god’s family. It was lovely and made us feel right at home.

It’s unique exterior of white, green and pink marble actually has three buildings on the site: The cathedral, the Baptistry and the Bell tower. We learned from our docent that the piazza, the huge open square in front of most cathedrals is actually viewed as the first waiting area, a spot for gazing and preparing for entry into the church. Entering the Duomo, there are two more areas of preparation, symbolizing the trinity of course. The centerpiece of the Duomo is Octagonal shaped, topped with a magnificent dome (that Martin climbed), stained glass windows, frescoes, marble altars and the choir (carved wood and marble).

The area of the octagon is the same as the Baptistry next door, which is also octagonal-shaped structure. The symbolism of 8 is the eighth day—Day of Christ, eternity. In the Baptistry, the center ceiling is a huge mosaic of Jesus, a welcoming Jesus. The doors of the Baptistry are very special, symbolizing passing through the waters of baptism, entering the church with new life. Interestingly the Baptistry also has a number of crypts, making direct connections between life and death, new life, life after death, eternal life…very moving.