Renaissance Churches

No comments on yesterday's post. Has everyone stopped paying attention?? And dad, just for you, I've uploaded larger picture files so you can click on them to get bigger images.

Today we started out at San Lorenzo Basilica, which was the family parish of the Medici. The interior was designed by Brunelleschi--the guy who designed the dome of the Cathedral. We also toured the library, which was designed by Michelangelo. It was his first attempt at architecture and of course it was a masterpiece and he had a huge effect on architectural design after that. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take photos, and there was no sneaking any shots here. The library also has a small exhibition space and they had a neat exhibition of old papyrus scrolls, illuminated manuscripts and codices. Then we went down to see the 'treasury' of San Lorenzo--which is where they have all their reliquaries on display. I got to see the shriveled finger of St. Mattia and a legbone of Saint Barnaba. I'm really sorry I don't have a picture of that to show you all.


Later this afternoon we went across the river to the church of Santo Spirito--which was also designed by Brunelleschi. He was able to perfect his style in this church. The comparison of the two was very interesting. Also in this church is a crucifix carved by a teenage Michelangelo.


Then we went on a little walking tour of the medieval area, which I've already done on my own, but it was still fun. A highlight today was a cat, sitting in an open window who started howling (!) when we were standing beneath and our professor was trying to teach us stuff.