"Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the world. The plan consists of a triple-nave basilica with the presbytery area nested within, dominated by the large octagon of the immense dome, around which are three radial apses (or “tribunes”), each consisting of five chapels. The cathedral is 153 meters in length, 90 meters wide at the transept, and 90 meters high from floor to base of the lantern. The title “Santa Maria del Fiore” (Lady of the flower) alludes to the name of the city, "Florentia", or “city of flowers”, “destined to bloom”, and to its emblem, the Florentine lily. The first stone of the new cathedral was laid on 8 September 1296, and the task of erecting it was entrusted to Arnolfo di Cambio. His project was similar in plan but smaller than the current building, which instead corresponds to the expansion developed by Francesco Talenti, beginning in the mid-14th century. The church was consecrated at completion of the dome, by Pope Eugenio IV, on 25 March 1436."
OPERA DI SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE #duomofirenze #duomoflorence #italy🇮🇹 #architecture #florence #fierenze #landmark #cathedral...
Siena Cathedral. #gasp Complete with a Baptistery and Bell Tower, the Siena Cathedral is a magnificent piece of architecture competing with the likes of the Florence Cathedral, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Milan Cathedral. Although believed to be built over a much older church, the current building’s construction began hundreds of years ago in 1196 and lasted until 1215. The cathedral itself was built as a dedication to the Virgin Mary, symbolizing that no other building can compare to the beauty of hers. On the facade, you can find two columns representing the two brothers - Romulus and Remus, and the founding of the city. Upon walking into the Cathedral, you will immediately notice the uniquely decorated floors, home to 56 different mosaics which depict stories from the Old Testament. These marble mosaics were designed by various artists from the Renaissance era, and they took over 600 years to complete! As you look up, you will notice striped columns, which lead to the central dome. #siena🇮🇹 #architecture #tuscany #italia #italianarchitecture #beauty #grand #renaissance #beauty #extraordinary #toscano...
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Cathedral of Pienza, was designed by Bernardo Rossellino and consecrated in 1462. The building was commissioned by Pope Pius II and overlooks the square named after him. #Italy #italytravel #tuscany #church #italianchurch #renessaince #renessainceart #wanderlust #travelphotography #catholicchurch #architecture #fresco...
I can’t decide if this is a Swainson’s thrush or a Hermit thrush. Either way, I happened upon this bird today when out looking for warblers. I think he found this creek very relaxing! #swainsonsthrush #hermitthrush #birdsofinstagram #mainebirds #birdvideos #migratorybirds #portlandmaine #portlandme #birder #mywanderings #mainewoods...
“This sparrow nests and winters farther north than any of its close relatives. Despite the name, it is not particularly associated with trees, and many of its nesting areas are on the tundra north of treeline. In winter in the northern states, flocks of Tree Sparrows are common in open country. They often come to bird feeders with Dark-eyed Juncos and other birds. Males may begin singing their musical songs in late winter, before they start their northward migration.” Audubon Field Guide . . . . #maineaudubon #treesparrow #mainebirds #audubon #naturephotography #birdlovers #canonrf100500mm...