You can find amazing places in the center of Florence.
And while many places charge an entry fee to get in, some places like the church of Orsanmichel is open to the public by donation.
A small church compared to many others in the city limits, it is not to be missed ---Great architecture, beautiful domed ceilings, frescoes, and gorgeous tiled floors.
Everything a quilter’s eye needs to be inspired!
The building was constructed on the site of the kitchen garden of the monastery of San Michele, which is now gone.
From Wiki:
Located on the Via Calzaiuoli in Florence, the church was originally built as a grain market] in 1337 by Francesco Talenti, Neri di Fioravante, and Benci di Cione.
Between 1380 and 1404 it was converted into a church used as the chapel of Florence's powerful craft and trade guilds.
On the ground floor of the square building are the 13th-century arches that originally formed the loggia of the grain market.
The second floor was devoted to offices, while the third housed one of the city's municipal grain storehouses, maintained to withstand famine or siege.
Late in the 14th century, the guilds were charged by the city to commission statues of their patron saints to embellish the facades of the church.
The sculptures seen today are copies, the originals having been removed to museums.
Patron Saints keeping guard outside!
Replicas or not, they are impressive!
But it is the tile floors around the altar that catch my eye!
Oh my goodness!
I love the feel of the ancientness of this sacred space.
So happy we took a few minutes of respite here amidst the hubbub and hustle of Florence!
Yes, I definitely need more time exploring Florence. There is so much to appreciate, and so much to inspire!
Ah, you brought back so many memories of the last time I was in Florence! I bought a grey leather jacket from one of the shops on the bridge!
ReplyDeleteI KNOW I am not the only one who sees a Mystery Quilt on that floor!
ReplyDeleteLove Florence. Heck, I love Northern Italy. Wish I could have been there with you!
The thing about the old Italian cities that just has not sunk into my brain even after 20 years.... the buildings are OLD .... 14th century was a LONG time ago... not like things here in Texas built in the '40s.... Stayed at a hotel built in the 1400's once.... granted the cab could not get down the street....just was not wide enough, but we adjusted!
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