What can I say about Michelangelo’s masterpiece? I was 10 when I first saw David, and it was truly a life-changing experience (as was visiting Florence).
That was, however, many moons ago, when tourists crowds were less, and queues did not stretch along the length of a street and around corners. Some 2 million people visit the Accademia yearly, yet it is still possible to see this masterpiece and not be overwhelmed simply getting there.
A city with so much art and beauty, so much history – yet still alive. The little touches which show Florence is not a city which exists on her past glories alone.
It took me two days to find the Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Admittedly, I was jet-lagged, and the search was confounded by the fact four places have the same address on the one street – little wonder I gave up that first day.
In true existential fashion, however, I only found the place by heading off to find somewhere else the following morning.
Near the banks of the Arno lies a church not always high on every visitor’s list, but the was once of central importance when Florence was a city-state.
Founded by the Umiliati around 1250, the Chiesa di Ognissanti is dedicated to all saints and martyrs, both known and unknown. Like many a Florentine church, the façade of the Church of all Saints is understated, yet hidden within are Medieval and Renaissance delights.
My sense of direction isn’t brilliant at the best of times, but these road signs in Florence did leave me wondering if I should find an alternative route…
An unexpected adventure has led me to Florence. Who am I to say no?
So now I am wandering with a vague plan in mind, meeting old friends, seeing them anew.
Here is a photo essay, with details to follow when I stop wandering and start writing.