Today started with a thunderstorm. I thought this would cool things off a bit, as it had been quite hot. And, indeed, I suppose if one was out getting wet it might have felt cooler (unless struck by lightning!). But, of course, all it really did was to increase the humidity.
Today I had the hotel book me on the afternoon tour to Pisa. So the morning was left to fill in on my own. What a hard thing to do. I wanted to photograph a couple of building examples from yesterday, to show the effects of the Renaissance on buildings.
As I was walking towards the Duomo (well, it was on the way!) I spotted this building with the Medici crest on it.
A larger view showing just the crest.
The front of the Duomo, or more precisely the cathedral to which it is attached. Note the umbrellas - I don't recall the rain being more than drizzle, the sort that one ignored in Seattle. While I probably carried my umbrella, since I was photographing things, it certainly wasn't in use! This photo also shows good detail of the main entrance, and the three marble types - white, green and red.
Another view, but this wider angle view includes the Baptistry on the right, and the Campanile in the middle; it's also clear how different is the colouring and design of these two buildings relative to the cathedral.
This is a pre-Renaissance building in the Piazza S. Trinita. The Column of Justice is on the left of the image and marks the spot where Medici Duke Cosimo I received news of victory in the battle of Montemurlo in 1537. The result stopped republicanism and cemented the duke's power. The column was given by Pope Pius IV in 1560, and came from the Baths of Caracalla in Rome via boat to Pisa then rollers from there.
This is an image of the whole building which was shown only partially in yesterday's photo showing the more decorous nature of Renaissance building.
From here I followed the road running along the side of the Arno to the Instituo e Museo di Storia della Scienza, which in 2010 reopened and changed its name to Museo Galileo, the museum of Renaissance science. Some quite fascinating, and often very beautiful, exhibits from the Medici collection.
By now it was time to head back to the hotel and prepare for the afternoon tour to Pisa.
Italy In July