The amount of art history greatness of these two places blows your mind. The Baptistery is a church where ALL of Florence children of the time were baptized-- Michelangelo, Donatello and such. Outside it is similar to many churches of the area in style, made of green, white and pink marble in geometric patterns. The entire dome ceiling shimmers, it is made of glass mosaics in gold ( yes, real gold) background in Byzantime style. The central focus of it is Christ in Judgment Day. Dante's Inferno was in reference to the left side of this piece which is hell.
St Maria Croce is a church and the burial places of the many wealthy and notable Florentians -- Galileo, Michelangelo, Machievelli, Rossini. Their tombs are all around. I must admit that it's not easy not to get all choked up being here.
I had such a fantastic lunch. Starter was this pear with pecorino cheese drizzled with walnuts and honey. Main was a variety of grilled meats with salad and wine of course. It cost me €25 for the entire thing.
