Photographs and quotes about Florence

Quotes from the book “Florence/Firenze” and pictures taken by me

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

“St Mary of the Flower with its elegant bell tower can be see from far and wide: you see it above the houses at the end of a hundred streets. Its well-combined variegation of coloured marbles gives it an air of festivity and wealth that our plain dark monuments never have. This church holds such appeal to me that whenever it catches my eye during our strolls, I cannot help but walk up to it, and I shall never tire of looking at it.” (Eugène Viollet-le-Duc)

“The Cathedral, called as usual in Italy Il Duomo is an edifice of great strength and magnificence, and ranks among the first of the kind in Europe. It is in fact, if we consider magnitude and materials, boldness and skill, the second and in these respects inferior only to the unrivalled Vatican. Its walls are incrusted with black and white marble; it is paved with variegated marble disposed, at least in part, by Michelangelo; it is adorned both within and without by marble statues, most of which are works of the most eminent sculptors; and its paintings are in general masterpieces of the art.” (John Chetwode Eustace)

Palazzo Vecchio-Old Palace

“What can I draw of the Old Palace? It stupefies you. It has such a delicate refinement in its brutal facade, so much force in its belfry…” (Le Corbusier)

“The Palazzo Vecchio rises before me, oppressive in its abrupt compact bulk, and I can feel upon me its heavy grey shadow. From the building’s crenellated shoulders soars the bell tower, stretching out its muscular neck into the nightfall. It is so high that I am seized by dizziness as I lift my eyes towards its helmeted head. And when, somewhat unsettled, I look around for shelter, the arches of a vast portico appear before me: it is the Loggia dei Lanzi” (Rainer Maria Rilke)

Uffizi, detail

Old Bridge-Ponte Vecchio

“Among the four old bridges that span the river, the Ponte Vecchio, that bridge which is covered with the shops of Jewellers and Goldsmiths, is a most enchanting feature in the scene. The space of one house, in the centre, being left open, the view beyond, is shown as in a frame; and that precious glimpse of sky, and water, and rich buildings, shining so quietly among the huddled roofs and gables on the bridge, is exquisite“. (Charles Dickens)

Night view of Florence