Florence: Millenium Series 15

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

El Duomo was built over a period of 6 centuries. The original architect was Arnolfo di Cambio, who started the project in the 13th century. The incredible dome was created by the genius of Filippo Brunelleshi, in the 1420. It is 91 meters high. The final façade of the cathedral was added in the 19th century, finally completing the project. During this long construction period many structural and decorative changes were made to this imposing edifice, including, 2 sacristies, frescoes, sculpture and marble flooring. The results are stunning. It is an architectural masterpiece.

The Bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore

Often called Giotto's campanile, after it's creator, the Bell tower of Santa Maria del Fiore is five stories high and one of the most beautiful in the country. It was also one of the most costly. Giotto was assigned the project in 1334 but only lived long enough to see the first floor finished. On his death, Andrea Pisano took over his project, followed by Francesco Talenti, who completed the tower in 1359.

The Accademia, museum and gallery is our next stop. It is a short walk from the Duomo and is home to Michelangelo's David and other masterpieces. It is not easy pushing a wheelchair on the cobblestones and as we reach the museum, we are dismayed to see people lined up for blocks. It is Sunday and tourists and locals alike, wait in line. Suddenly a young man runs out of a second door near the entrance. He takes hold of the wheelchair and beckons us to follow him in. We can barely believe our good fortune.

This famous museum was created by decree in 1784. The decree stated that all art schools were to be part of one academy. It was also decreed that paintings of the old masters were to be exhibited here as teaching tools for the young students. And here they remain, As I take a photo of my mother in her wheelchair in front of a beautiful painting of an angel, I think of her comments to her doctor, when he asked her if she was well enough to travel for 4 months. She told him it was just as close to heaven as Vancouver. She is right.

As we move through the rooms of the gallery we see Giambologna's* plaster model of the "Rape of the Sabines,"

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