Duomo, Florence, Italy

Here’s a daylight image of the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

AtpgqUpyTC2Llgkza8CKiQThe exterior style contrasts greatly with many of the church and cathedrals I saw in Spain, which are typically left the natural color of the cut stone. Let’s go inside:

DSC_3494Another rather plain interior. But don’t miss the clock at the rear of the building:

DSC_3493You can climb to the cupola of the Duomo and also the tower, but I was busy seeing so much else, that I didn’t want to wait in the long line. Here’s a night view, just for fun:

jKNhEXCrTTmGm3mrLJhKEAMy hotel was across the street from this magnificent structure. Photos to follow soon.

Published in: on December 6, 2018 at 4:31 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Pantheon, Rome, Italy

The crowds at the Pantheon jostled me, causing an out of focus exterior photo that I was unaware of until later. Quite a disappointment. However, my interior shots came out okay.

DSC_3082Entering through the massive doors is quite an experience, diminished by the surge of people.

DSC_3085

Still an impressive structure built by the Romans and later converted to a Catholic facility.

DSC_3084Here’s that out of focus exterior shot, just for fun.

DSC_3077So many people.

Published in: on November 17, 2018 at 1:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Saint Peter’s, Rome, Italy

Saint Peter’s Basilica features a limitless number of opportunities to take great photos. Of the many I took, this is my favorite so I put it here first in the post:

DSC_3328The light was perfect and the light is what matters most in any photograph. Going back to the beginning, here’s a view from outside:

DSC_3344People line up to enter the basilica. We were lucky to avoid that line by entering via another tour. Going back inside, don’t miss the statue of Saint Peter, worn by millions of people touching his foot:

DSC_3305The interior of this massive structure will impress and amaze:

DSC_3292No doubt about it:

DSC_3297It was pleasant inside as nearly all visitors show great respect for the site:

DSC_3326Linger as long as you can. There’s plenty to see.

Sistine Chapel

As part of the “Waking the Vatican” tour, one can enjoy the Sistine Chapel with a few dozen other visitors. This is a marvelous experience, seeing the work of Michaelangelo in an almost private moment. As large as the chapel is, it does feel private. Here’s a video showing the chapel.

Amazing. Seriously. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend this experience. Do your homework about the art and history of the place in order to get the most out of it. Linger as long as possible.