b'Italy (continued from page 47) Across the street from the Basilica SundayMarketisahodgepodgeofis the Baptistery of St. John, renowned gramophoneplayers,Fascist-erabikefor its three sets of artistically important parts and lots of alarm clocksa realbronze doors with relief sculptures. The mixofantiquesandjunkwhereyoudoors were dubbed by Michelangelo as could spend all day browsing. the Gates of Paradise. IleftVeronaandtravelledsouthChristianity was once the main reli-to Florence, home of amazing art andgions of Florence, and still accounts for splendourousculturecreatedthrough30% of the population. The 1600 Jews theages.Florence,withapopulationArtists gather in the main square of Florence. of Florence worship in the Great Syna-of nearly 400,000, lies in the heart ofthe head and upper body, respectivelygogue of Florence, constructed just over Tuscany. larger. By doing so, the statue looks pro- a hundred years ago. During World War I crossed the River Arno and viewedportionate when viewed from a normalII, Nazis occupied the synagogue and themanybridgesincludingthemostpersons point of vision. used it as a storehouse.When retreat-famous, the Ponte Vecchio. It is a me- Just outside the galleries is Palazzoing, German troops placed explosives dieval stone closed-bridge and is notedVecchioorOldPalace,whichistheto destroy the synagogue. Fortunately, Italian resistancemanaged to for having stores along its sides. Butch- town hall of Florence. This massive, Ro-ghters ers initially occupied the shops, but themanesque fortress overlooks the maindefuse most of the explosives.present tenants are jewellers, art deal- square and the gallery of statues in theEvery so often I become adventur-ers and souvenir sellers. The bridge wasadjacent Loggia dei Lanzi. The squareous, and I decided to walk to the top of built in 996 and was the only bridge notisoneofthemostsigni cantpublicMichelangelo plaza, high atop the hill of destroyed by the Germans during theirplaces in Italy. San Miniato. It was a good 45 minute retreat in 1944. This was allegedly dueBy far the most impressive cathedraluphill hike, but the views were spectac-to an express order from Adolph Hitler,in Florence is that of Santa Maria de Fio- ular with St Marys Basilica stealing the who cited its historical importance. re or Saint Mary of the Flower. Located inshow. The vista captures the heart of the centre of the city, it is the main churchFlorence, and will leave you breathless.of Florence, and was completed in 1436Northern Italy is a beautiful part of after150yearsofconstruction.Therethe world and once life gets back to nor-was a 50 year moratorium on construc- mal I would highly recommend a visit.tion, after sacred relics were discovered. Decorationoftheexteriorlastedabit longer,nally being completed in 1887. The interior of the church is extreme-ly large and appears almost empty. It Florences famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. was created that way to coincide with theintentofreligiouslife.Abovethe Florence is an art lovers paradise.maindooristhecolossalclockface Its art galleries, especially the Uf zi Gal- with fresco portraits of four prophets orNote: The television episode on Northern lery, are home to many beautiful paint- evangelists. This one-handed liturgicalItaly premiered last month and is available ings by the great masters. Opened inclock shows the 24 hours of Italian time,at Jonathan van Bilsens photosNtravel on 1765 the gallery was built as a home forwhich ends with sunset. YouTube, or on Rogers TV. the great art collection, which belongedThe church is particularly notable for to the Medici family. its 44 stained glass windows, the larg- Jonathan van Bilsen is a television One of my favourites is the Academiaest undertaking of this kind in Italy inhost, published author, award-winning Gallery,whereMichelangelosfamedthe 14th and 15th century.They are thephotographer and keynote speaker. statueofDavidproudlystands.Thework of the greatest Florentine artists ofWatch his new show The Jonathan artist was so detail oriented, he madetheir time. MCvan Bilsen Show on YouTube.We Miss Seeing You In Person!We will re-open our doors to walk in October 1stColleen, Jean, MalloryJanet & Virginia905-985-2268158 Casimir St., Port PerryTICO #4577532 virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca48FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2020'