Taylor Family Vacation - May 16, 1998

	Florence: Architecture & Art
Click on the small picture to see a larger one.	May 16, 1998
Click on the small picture to see a larger one.	Home Page Daily Log

	Michael strikes a pose to introduce today's first work of art.
	Within the Galleria dell' Accademia are many of Michelangelo's most famous works, dominated by "David," which he did in 1504 at the age of 29.
	The "Gates of Paradise," the work of Ghiberti for 28 years, from 1424 to 1452. This is actually a copy, the real work preserved in a local library. As I recall, a copy of these doors (and of David) are on on display at Forest Lawn in California.
	The Duomo, the 3rd largest cathedral in the world, behind St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. While the interior is rather simple, the exterior is incredibly ornate with carved marble and painting. It seats up to 20,000 people.
	Michelangelo, commissioned by so many others for their elegant tombs, never finished the sculpture he planned for his own. Instead, this is his tomb, in Santa Croce church, with figures representing Painting, Architecture, and Sculpture.
	Italian ice cream, known for its richness and full flavor, gets the ultimate taste test from these experts.
	The little pizza restaurant we were told serves the best pizza in Italy. We tried it for lunch, and were not disappointed.
	In the middle of a hot day looking at architecture in Florence, we found a lush city park to take a cool nap. We heard that everywhere else in Italy it's raining today. We've had such good weather.