Archives, Piazza del Duomo, and Orsanmichele

           The field trip to the archives was a very interesting experience. Not only did we read and glance at many old and valuable books, manuscripts, and records, but we also got to hear some interesting stories on how the structure of life was in Florence back in the Renaissance Era. It was fascinating to hear about how the “mafia” of the time had an unlimited amount of power over many of the local church’s decisions regarding the selection of new priests, pastors, and other members of the clergy. Also, I was intrigued that the most powerful person of society in the Renaissance era was a priest. Basically, if a man wanted to make money or become an important member of his community, he would enter the priesthood (or a convent if you were a woman). Yet, out of all the stories about the priests, monks, and nuns of the time, my favorite was the story about how all the young nuns of one convent fell in love with their young male gardener and even fought over him. The best part was that he faked that he was blind in order to get the job as the gardener because, at the time, men were not allowed to be in the complex of a convent, and then confessed a few months later to the head nun that we was not blind but of perfect sight. Yet, since all of the young nuns were madly in love with him, she ordered him to stay at the convent even though he was too tired of satisfying each and every nun.

            Even though I walk through the Piazza del Duomo almost every day, either to get to class or to grab something to eat, I am always astonished by how big and beautiful the Cathedral really is. By just looking at the exquisite and perfectly built façade, one can grasp the true beauty of this magnificent structure. Yet, personally, I believe that the real treasures of the Piazza are Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise on the outside of the Baptistery. The ten bronze panels on both doors are absolutely gorgeous and depict stories from the Old Testament. The Gates of Paradise are by far my favorite works of art in Florence. As for the church of Orsanmichele, I believe that that church is one of the hidden gems in Florence. Situated on a somewhat back alley off the famous Via dei Calzaiuoli, Orsanmichele boasts amazing works of art on both its alter and the ceiling.