Day 15! wow can not believe it's been that long already! well today was a fun filled day, but had a lack of opportunities for pictures sadly. Our first stop was the Monastic facility of San Marco. San Marco was a monastic community of great historical significance. It was the monestary in Which Fra Angelico Frescoes many walls and cells with spiritual depictions of the Life of Christ and the crucifixion. The most famous of which is the Annunciation Fresco at the top of the stairs. Amoung other artworks is a very large last supper fresco by Ghirlandaio in the small refectory, which is now a gift shop. Ghirlandaio is the Master that would train Michelangelo. Also another significant individual resided here for a period of time before he was captured. Savaranola Resided in a back room of the monestary that now houses some furniture that could possibly be his, but are at least pieces of the time period. Also saw possibly the first example of a folding chair in this room. Savaranola if you don't recognized this name is a preacher and monk that came to Florence and tried to change their evil pagan ways of the Renaissance society. He viewed the depiction of nude figures, the reading of pagan writings, and the humanism philosophy to be evil and a sin that condemns man. He is infamous for his famous burnings of vanity in which countless pieces of art, books, and other significant objects were burned and ever lost to the present generation. He also managed to take control of the city away from ailing Lorenzo di Medici il Magnifico, until after Lorenzo's death he was captured and executed. But the Medici Family gave the idea for this monastery and in fact they had there own double room in the Monetary in which they could go and stay as a retreat from the world, and also have access to the Monasteries prestigious library.
After this wonderful adventure we walked down the street to the Academia. It is a gallery associated with the Florence school or art that still operates just across the street, I believe. The academia houses the original Plaster cast of the Rape of the Sabine sculpture that can be seen in the Loggia near the Uffizi. In that same room are many wonderful paintings and altarpieces that were moved to this facility after many of these church had to close down from lack of funds from the state Government, and instead of just looking them in the Church they decided to move them here for safe keeping. Past this room is a long hallway which Contains 4 of Michelangelo's Slaves for Julius 2 tomb which was never really completed as he had envisioned. These statues are amazing because it really illustrates Michelangelo's working style and his love of the male torso. At the very end of this hallway is the imfamous David that is right up there with the Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's Starry Night as far as wide spread recognizably. It is a marvelous 17 foot statue that became the symbol for Florence over the many years it sat right outside the major Political center.
After that we ate lunch on the steps of San Lorenzo Church. After lunch we went inside and got to see Brunelleschi's beautiful structure that was also a Medici Building. This work of art has su much history and art that I can hardly even begin to tell you! But along with Donatello Pulpits, frescoes, and statues by famous artists is beautiful architecture and an amazing awe inspired space that I would recommend anyone who gets the chance to go see! after that we also went down under the church to the crypt which was awesome.
after that wonderful experience we took a break while we waited to go catch a taxi. We went into a small bar and also into Ben and jerrys. after a bit me and Sara went on a walk and went into the courtyard of the the Stozzi Palace. After that a few of us went to an Italian Cooking Class. I helped make homemade pasta, sauce, chicken breast rolled and stuffed, and So almond bread that was all amazing! It was an AMAZING DAY!
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