Oct 31, 2016
Just a few photos from the Gardens to help you sleep tonight…..
All scariness aside – look at the size of these Mums!!!
(borrowed from the ghouls on the internet)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Missouri Botanical Gardens 2016
31 Oct 2016 4 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Halloween, Missouri Botanical Gardens, skeletons, spiders, withes
Arrivederci Magnifico Italia
30 Oct 2016 3 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Carlo Collidi, Church of Orsanmichele, gelato, Madonna and Child with Angels painting, pinocchio
Italy’s Mountains of Gelato Heaven
Oct 10, 2016
May I first say – my heart felt thoughts and prayers go out to the citizens of Italy after the devastating earthquake today and in the past months. Wishing all that were affected a speedy recovery to a normal life, a resilient rebuilding of your homeland and a peaceful earth beneath your feet in the future.
All good things must come to an end, including my enjoyable visit to Milan, Pisa and Florence, Italy.
My closing thoughts…
Regarding Italian Gelato – clearly there is no competition .
Regarding the architecture – the adornments on Italian buildings never cease to fill me with awe – this Lion’s expression almost chased me across the street!
Regarding the churches – every church I entered was filled with beauty, history, amazement and wonder.
Blindly I walked into the Church of Orsanmichele in Florence with no prior knowledge or suggestion from people, guide books or Google, yet, I walked in and stood before this intricately built tabernacle and painting and was stunned by it’s beauty. It’s story is also amazing. In the 13th century, the building that stood here was a straw market. During this time, the first “Madonna of the Graces” was painted on a pillar in that market and soon followed by miraculous events. The building and painting was destroyed by a fire in 1304. Rebuilt in 1337, still as a straw market. In 1347 Bernardo Daddi’s “Madonna and Child with Angels” was commissioned to replace the original “Madonna of the Grace”. While it remained a commercial site, pilgrims inspired by the miraculous events and sightings of the Madonna there, came in increasing numbers, especially after the Black Plague struck in 1348. As the legend grew the tabernacle was built in 1359 by Andrea Orcagna to protect the new “Madonna of the Graces” ( the one in this photo). Eventually the building was dedicated as a small chapel and oratory in 1380. The stained glass windows were added and are some of the oldest in Florence, and illustrate the miracles of the “Madonna” of Orsanmichele.
Regarding the crowds – lots of people were everywhere in Florence (and at all of the famous attractions in Italy) – even as the rain continued all day long. Bless the people that were standing on every corner selling $5.00 umbrellas and ponchos. What more can I say except that everyone loves Italy ?
My pokka-dotted umbrella adds a little extra pizzazz to the Duome, don’t you think? There were many more photos like this with the pokka- dots edited out.
Lastly, regarding Pinocchio – I really need to include Pinocchio in this last posting of Italy, as he is a much loved character in Italy and can be seen everywhere in many different forms – ornaments, books, stuffed dolls, puppets, key chains, etc. Pinocchio was the creation of the Florence- born Carlo Lorenzini, a political author. Under the pen name of Carlo Collodi , he wrote the story of Pinocchio. Collodi died 7 years later, in 1890, so he didn’t live long enough to see the spectacular success of Pinocchio’s story. It has now been translated in over 100 languages and is one of the world’s best sellers.
Pinocchio Park opened in 1956 in the hilly Tuscany village of Collodi, where Carlo Lorenzini’s mother was born. The village was Collodi’s inspiration for the setting of the book – thus it is also Pinocchio’s “home town”.
Parting sayings?
” A lie keeps growing and growing until it’s as plain as the nose on your face.” ( Pinocchio)…… or…
” A thousand woodpeckers flew in through the window and settled themselves on Pinocchio’s nose” (Carlo Collodi)
Most fitting me thinks since we are days away from electing a new president in the United States.
Thanks for reading and please vote responsibility.
SANTA MARIA NOVELLA and SANTA CROCE – Must See Basilicas in Florence, Italy
30 Oct 2016 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Italian frescoes, Michaelangelo's tomb, Santa Croce Basilica, Santa Maria Novella Basilica, Spanish chapel
Santa Croce Basilica
October 9, 2016
Santa Croce was built in 1295. The bell tower built in 1512 was hit by lightening and fell. A new bell tower was built between 1853 and 1863. The main chapel of this Basilica is stunning with it’s dramatic wall to wall frescoes.
The Main Chapel is one of sixteen.
The alter piece in the Main Chapel was assembled in 1869 with various works of art from the 14th century.
The first funerary monument was placed in Santa Croce in 1444. Many well known and famous Italians are buried here – my favorite beautiful monument being…..
Tomb of Gino Capponi
Tomb of Michelangelo, 1564, another favorite.
Gioacchino Rossini Tomb, 1887
The detail on this is unbelievable.
Tomb of Carlo Marsuppini, 1453
There are also many tomb slabs in the floor – some are so old and worn that barriers are placed around them due to the trip factor.
Santa Croce’s peaceful cloister.
Moving on to the next must see……
The Santa Maria Novella Basilica is best known for it’s many magnificent frescoes. The Basilica was built in 1279 – 1357 with the front facade of the church finally finished in 1458 – 1470. The bell tower of the SMN is 226 feet tall and was built in 1330 as a watchtower used to locate fires.
This photo of Santa Maria Novella Basilica is borrowed from the internet – the day I was there there was much construction in front of the church and too unsightly for a decent photo.
Inside of Santa Maria Novella – beautiful arches and vast feeling.
The pulpit is made of carved marble, 1443.
The Tornabuoni Chapel (one of seven) has an elaborately decorated marble alter. Richly colored and detailed storied frescoes cover the walls and ceiling of this chapel.
These spectacular frescoes were the work of Domenico Ghirlandaio and his workshop between 1485 and 1490.
A few close ups of 3 sections of the vibrant frescoes in this Basilica.
There were several statues in SMN ……
but I could never decide if this Nun was legit or just a statue.
The Spanish Chapel at SMN is completely covered in mesmerizing frescoes. This is the back wall, left wall and ceiling. The floor had many tomb slabs.
Photo mostly of the vaulted ceiling – the chapel was built in 1350 and Andrea di Bonaiuto painted frescoes in 1366. The painting took 2 years to complete.
While I sometimes question if visiting these beautiful churches, does my eternity any good, I know that…..
Thanks for readng!
INTRODUZIONE to FLORENCE, Italy
29 Oct 2016 3 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Cupid with Dolphin, David, Florence, Fountain of Neptune, Italy, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio
One of the many Davids in Florence. This David stands 16 feet tall.
October 9, 2016
Florence was a quick 1 and 1/2 hours train ride from Milan and a wonderful way to spend my last full day in Italy. Florence is all about David, the Duomo , art and shopping.
Of course, I also found other distractions.
The Piazza della Signora is home to The Fountain of Neptune which dates back to 1565.
Art comes in all forms in the Piazzas.
Loved this “Cupid with Dolphin”, 1470, by Andrea Verrocchio which is on display in the……
Palazzo Vecchio, built in 1299, now a town hall and museum, previously by a few hundred years, the ruling family’s palace.
This would be an interesting piece to add to my patio.
Florence canines come in various colors and enjoy tourist watching.
The McDonalds in Florence includes beer in it’s choice of refreshments!
Though this was the better shot of the Duomo in Florence..
This shot was a more accurate depiction of the day – rainy and packed full of tourists bumping umbrellas with each step.
The Duomo ( Santa Marie del Fiore/ Saint Mary of the Flowers Cathedral), Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower) in Florence are beautiful and these dreary day photos don’t do them justice. The Cathedral was built from 1294 – 1436, the baptistery built from 1059 – 1128 and the Bell Tower in 1359. As you can see these buildings were built very close to each other. Sadly, the lines for entering these buildings were sooooo long, allllll day long, that I was never able to see the inside.
Despite the on-going rain, I was, however, able to soak up the views (no pun intended) of the Ponte Vecchio. This “Old Bridge” spans the Arno River and was built in 1345, which replaced the prior bridge. Small houses/workshops are built on the bridge, which was common practice in the Middle Ages. Some of the houses also have extensions that hang over the river. In 1565, Duke Medici built a corridor at the top of the bridge so that he would not have to walk on the crowed bridge or with the commoners. In 1593 Duke Ferdinand I replaced all of the houses/ workshops with gold smiths because they did not produce as much garbage or foul stench as the previous shopkeepers. Today the houses on the bridge are all jewelry/antique shops and jammed full of tourists. The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, even surviving WWII.
Parting shot across the Arno River.
(borrowed from the internet)
Thanks for reading!!
DAY TRIP TO PISA, ITALY
28 Oct 2016 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Field of Miracles, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa 's Baptistery, Pisa's Cathedral
October 8, 2016
Pisa, Italy is, by far, best known for their Leaning Tower of Pisa. Over a million tourists visit the tower every year. Though the Leaning Tower is the most well known, there is also a Cathedral, a Baptistery and a Monumental Cemetery that sit together in the ” Campo dei Miracoli” – The Field of Miracles.
Interestingly tidbits – the Cathedral and the Baptistery are also sinking and the foundation of the cemetery is made up of 53 shiploads of earth that was brought from the Hill of Calvery in Jerusalem.
The Romanesque Pisa Tower originally was 196 feet tall. Today it is 187 feet on one side, 183 feet on the other side. It was built from 1173 – 1372 and has 294 steps to the top. On the train from Milan to Pisa, I sat with a English couple who said I should be sure to climb the tower. Then they added how climbing around and around up the leaning tower also gave them a queasy, vertigo feeling. I decided I could thoroughly enjoy the tower from the ground.
The Baptistery was built from 1152 -1363. Galileo was baptized here in 1565.
The Baptismal and pulpit in the Baptistery.
The pulpit was carved in 1255-1260 by Nicola Pisano.
The Cathedral / St. Mary of the Assumption
was built from 1063 – 1064 and then expanded through the centuries.
Cathedral central nave
Cathedral pulpit is 15 feet tall and was carved by Giovanni Pisano in the early 1300’s.
Yes, that is a skull looking at you. Previously attached to the Aspostle Bartholomew.
Tomb of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII. 2013 was the 600th anniversary of his death and Henry’s sarcophagus was opened and studied. Besides cremated bones and his skull, a crown, sceptre, a globe and a long silk shroud was found.
Glass lined tomb of San Ranieri in the Cathedral. He was the patron saint of Pisa and its travelers.
Carving in the floor – maybe a grave marker?
Thanks for reading and ……
(borrowed from the internet)
MONUMENTAL CEMETERY in Milan, Italy
25 Oct 2016 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Cimitero Monumentale de Mila, Monumental Cemetery in Milan
October 7, 2016
The Cimitero Monumentale de Milan was another must see destination during my visit to Milan. Opened in 1866, it consolidated several smaller cemeteries. It is known for the famous Italians buried there and it’s many beautiful artistic tombs, monuments and mausoleums. If you have ever experienced grief, there are some monument sculptures in this cemetery that will bring you to your knees.
“If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
I’d walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again.”
( unknown )
“Because I could not stop for death,
He kindly stopped for me:
The carriage held but ourselves and immortality”
Emily Dickinson
ALLIGATORS ARE OK, BUT NO SELFIE STICKS PLEASE
25 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Galleria d'Italia art museum, selfie stick
Italian Alligator sighting in the museum’s garden.
Oct. 6, 2016
Galleria d’Italia Art Museum was another stop on my Milan visit. A smaller but enjoyable museum in a beautiful building.
But, just as interesting as the art, I also came to realize that hundreds of public attractions have now waged war on the selfie-stick. This museum and many other places in Italy, have posted signs banning the selfie-stick. Later googling the subject, I came to realize that public places all over the world are banning the obtrusion for many reasons. Not that I have any objection. While maybe there is place and time for a selfie-stick, I tend to agree with one writer, who renamed it the “narcisstick”. : ) That said, I hope you enjoy the following photos of the Galleria d’Italia……
“The Instince of Arms” 1868 by Gaetano Chierici
“The Crossing” 1901 by Alessandro Milesi
most interesting mantle…
“Northern Landscape With Mountains” 1852 by Julius Lange
“The Thursday Walk” 1869 by Angelo Trezzini
Beautiful art on the ceilings also.
A grand staircase
Thanks for reading!
THE GOTHIC DUOMO in Milan, Italy
22 Oct 2016 3 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: gargoyles, Milan's Duomo
October 5, 2016
Milan’s Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, or better known as Milan’s Duomo , is the most incredible and the most visited sight in the city. Building began in 1386 but was not completely finished until 1965. Being the 4th largest Cathedral in Europe, it can hold 40,000 people. The cathedral has 3500 marble statues, with 2/3 of them on the exterior. The roof has 135 carved stone pinnacles, 135 gargoyles and interior has 52 gigantic and intricately carved pillars. Napoleon crowned himself King here in 1805.
The famous Madonnina, is the gilded copper statue of Mary that stands on the cathedral’s highest spire of 354 feet. Mary was set in 1774 and measures approximately 13 feet tall.
There is also a replica of Mary inside the Cathedral.
Much to be seen inside the Cathedral. Such as the statue of St. Bartholomew – draped in his own skin, muscles and veins are exposed. While creepy it represents his martyrdom where he was skinned alive. And that was the beginning of what they did to him. If you have the stomach for it – look up St. Bartholomew for more details.
Always interesting what is on display in these history-filled churches and cathedrals – I believe this is an Archbishop of the past.
Just a few of the enormous 52 pillars inside the Duomo.
A zoomed -in shot of the carving on the pillars. Each pillar stands about 78 feet tall.
The ciborium that holds the tabernacle.
An ancient Roman bathtub is used as the Baptismal of the Duomo.
One of the many statues in the Duomo.
The exterior bronze doors are also intricately carved and enormous in size.
A walk on the roof was a real treat.
Thankfully there was an elevator that took me almost to the top – only 78 steps more after that.
Views from the roof…….
and of the exterior of the Cathedral……
Love those gargoyles!
Just a tidbit – supposedly gargoyles do more than act as a drain spouts. They are also considered protectors and are scary looking to frighten off evil spirits. Thus they were added to churches and other important buildings.
Thanks for reading!
SFORZA CASTLE in Milan, Italy
22 Oct 2016 Leave a comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Sforza Castle, Sforza Castle cats
October 5, 2016
Castello Sforzesco is another sight to see in Milan and was the residence of the ruling families in the past. It was built in the 15 century on the remains of a 14th century fortress and was expanded many times over the centuries. This castle is huge with walled grounds and a moat ( now grass), and today is the home of an art museum.
Main entrance to the grounds.
The castle extends to both sides of the entrance.
Another entrance to the castle grounds has a draw-bridge over the moat.
One of the two defense towers.
The moat is now grass and a driveway for utility vehicles.
Partial family portrait of the present day residents of the castle grounds. I counted a total of 12 felines but only 3 agreed to be photographed.
(borrowed from the Internet)
Thanks for reading!
GALLERIA VITTORIO EMMANELIC, in Milan
17 Oct 2016 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Galleria Vittorio Emmanelic in Milan, Italy
October 5, 2016
Another stop on the tour was “The Galleria”- which is a grand gallery/glass domed shopping mall that was built between 1865 and 1877. It is the oldest shopping mall in the world.
Yes, it does feel grand to walk through the mall, even though it is full of out-of-my-budget shops and restaurants.
The photos hardly due it justice, especially since I am trying to shoot over the heads of swarms of people inside. But it gives you an idea.
While shopping at the Galleria, legend has it that for good luck, you should stop at the bull and spin the heel of your foot on his testicles.
The New Galleria in Milan With Evening Strollers
painted by Carla Canella in 1870
I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist.
~Tammy Faye Bakker
Thanks for reading!
Jeannie's Travel Addiction 