Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Last Day in Florence: Basilica of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce is a Franciscan church in Florence.  It contains frescoes by Giotto and
funerary monuments for some rather important folks.  Here are two.


This is part of the monument marking the tomb of Michelangelo.


And this is part of the tomb of Galileo.  Galileo was excommunicated for his teachings that the earth revolves around the sun.  He was originally buried in a plot outside Santa Croce, but nearly a century later he was reburied in the main church, directly opposite Michelangelo.
The Pope canceled Galileo's condemnation order in 1992.

12 comments:

  1. Great carvings. I'm amazed it took so long for the Church to cancel Galileo's condemnation. Makes me wonder what kind of proof they were looking for that Galileo was correct. :)

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  2. Beautiful carvings on both of these tombs. Never seen either before. Perhaps the church was a bit late to their astronomy lesson. I remember when Galileo was forgiven, seems like just yesterday.

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  3. I recall being totally awed in that marvelous city because of its historical significance. Speechless when I encountered those tombs.

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  4. Amazing carvings, superb captures as always!! They are the next best things to being there myself. I, too, am amazed it took so long to cancel Galileos condemnation!! And, yes, what kind of proof were they looking for???? Unbelievable!!!

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  5. Awwww you are in Italy, lucky friend!
    I'm having such a great time enjoying your post and beautiful pictures!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Leia

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  6. Two brilliant minds. Makes you wonder what they would have produced it they lived today.

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  7. Jack, what wonderful photographs of your visit. I've just got around to scrolling through... what a photo album! What memories you've captured.

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  8. I wonder what something like that cost in those days. Now you would have to be pretty rich.

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