Today promised to be another gorgeous day.
Needing some basic staples, we did some shopping at the local super market, but for lunch, we were headed of to see Pino once again. This time at his food store Verdi.
Around the corner from his wine shop, Pino has a food counter, where the excellent meats we had savoured the night before came from. It is called Salumeria Verdi, at Via Verdi 36 red. (
http://www.salumeriaverdi.it/)
The place was very busy, but Pino smiling, called out "HeraBell" as he served a customer. We each had a sandwich, and a small glass of wine. As we ate, Hera said it was the best sandwich she has ever had, and I have to agree. Pricewise, it was very inexpensive.
This is defintely another place that anyone visiting Florence must stop by.
In addition to his sandwiches, he has other plates of food. Several different plates of pasta was offered for today's lunch, and he mentioned that on Fridays, fish and seafood are offered.
Pino was too busy with the crowds of customers at the moment, so we dropped by later in the day to pick up some of the delicious meats we had eaten the night before.
We walked about the now familiar streets.
While we often passed close by, we did not yet really see Orsanmichele Church.
The site had in the eight century, a very small oratory where miracles had occured. A merchant area was built around it, and became a grain market. After the plague that killed off half of Florence, the arches were filled in, and it became a Church, while grain was still stored above.
Niches surrounding the church were filled by various artists, commissioned by the guilds of Florence. Walking around the Church, one can see the change in sculptures from Gothic to Renaissance.
Inside, the church is spectacular. The painted ceilings and walls, and the intricately carved marble tabernacle that holds Bernardo Daddi' Madonna delle Grazie are wonderful sights to behold.
It had been a few days since Hera had a gelato, but today, it was time for one. Finding a Gelato shop is one of the easiest things to do in Florence, and soon Hera had her Gelato.
We wandered around, crossed the Duoma once again. In the brilliant sun, I find it is way too bright. I think the Duomo looks best at night, lit by lights. The intricacies of the art work are highlighted, the shadows add character, and the square feels much more romantic.
Florence is small, and easily walked, but today, we decided to take a taxi to San Miniato Church. Located south of the Arno, up the hill, behind Piazzale Michelangelo.
St. Minias, was King of Armenia, and gave up his crown to the heavenly king. According to legend, he was beheaded on the banks of the Arno. Picking up his head, he walked up the hill, where he died, and was buried.
An old church, it is a beauty. From the painted wooden ceilings, to wall paintings, to the sumptous Chapel of Cardinal Jacobo. Walking up a few steps, one enters the sacristy, and we are faced with a stunning fresco, while down below is an intimate crypt where a group sang Vespers in Gregorian chant.
We walked down a bit to Piazzale Michelangelo and gazed across the picturesque city. Hera took photos, as the sun was setting, capturing the different light and moods of the city.
As we arrived home, across the street from our apartment, an event was being held at the private club. Dressed as a Florentine guard, he exchanged pleasantries with us, as we took out our keys, and entered our building.
Florence is charming, day or night.
Cheers,
Anthony & Hera
