La Dolce Vita: Florence + the Medici

In 1581, Granduca (Grand Duke) Francisco de' Medici, the son of Cosimo I, had the Uffizi built. (Uffizi simply means "offices" and that was its use for many years-- a place of business connected to his residence.) Now, it is a museum, and in my opinion one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Outiside of the building, dozens of statues line the streets. It is incredible to consider how long these have existed, the amazing condition that they are in, and how lifelike they seem, though they are giant in size.

Perseus with Medusa's Head

I love this statue of the woman clinging to the warrior. The details carved into her back and hair, and especially the draped garment is absolutely stunning.

Inside the Uffizi, there are so many beautiful and well-known works of art, it is difficult to even begin to describe the experience. I can say that I've never been truly moved by a painting before-- well, I've not seen that many to start with-- but the rooms of paintings, some which date pre-1300, caused to me be struck dumb in awe.

Of course we are not allowed to take photos, but I've found a few of the pieces I loved online. Botticelli was my favorite of the artists, with The Spring being my favorite piece. I LOVE the women dancing as Mercury stirs up the rains.

The Birth of Venus- Botticelli

The Spring- Botticelli

Michaelangelo

There are dozens of images burning in my brain still, hours later. To see the work of these masters of art: Boticelli, Michaelangelo, Cimabue, Giotto, and Leonardo Da Vinci... words are useless to describe my joy.

This is the view from the indoor corridor built over the Ponte Vecchio. It was a hallway which led from the Uffizi to the private residence of the Medicis. In addition to joining the buildings, it also allowed the Medici family to enter the cathedral without having to mix with the common people. This is their special private balcony. With the turmoil in Italy at that time, it is easy to understand their need for being kept separate.

The hallway.

The grotto is another part of the Medici house. Located outside the Uffizi, it looks much like a natural cave. Worked from this rock are figures of people and animals. You have to look closely to see them.

In the photo below these words, you can see sheep as well as people seeming to merge into the wall.

The ceiling of the grotto features different animals: monkeys, cheetahs, and even rams.

The two lovers stand near the rear of the grotto in the coolest part.

After our journey through the Uffizi, our group descended down to the streets of Florence. This is me in front of the Ponte Vecchio.

We ate lunch at the famous (at least with our professors) i Fratellini Bar. I ordered prosciutto and mozzarella. It was delicious. (A note about "eating" at a bar... you don't. You order the sandwich and find a place to stand outside. There are no tables, no seats, and no air conditioning. It's so different from our American meals. I find that I eat MUCH less.)

This is the entire Bar.

Our lunch spot had a wonderful view of a church. This is a statue by Michaelangelo's mentor (whose name I cannot remember). It is Doubting Thomas and Christ; notice how Thomas's hand is preparing to feel Christ's wounds.