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WYATT - Italian Church Domes

Item Number: -00008140

Inside the San Lorenzo church in Florence Italy

This was taken inside one of the oldest churches in Florence Italy, San Lorenzo, just North of the Duomo in Florence. I was not allowed to use a flash so the brightness of the photo was added by Adobe Photoshop. Otherwise the photo was a bit dark, but now the photo looks much like it did in person. Here is a little info about the church: According to popular tradition, San Lorenzo was built thanks to a gift by Giuliana, a Jewish matron. Consecrated cathedral in 393 by Sant'Ambrosio, it was dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire. Virtually nothing of the original construction has survived. The church was rebuilt by Bishop Gherardo of Burgundy and consecrated anew in 1050. In 1418 the Medici Family decided to adopt it as 'their' church. They assigned the task of renovating the building to Brunelleschi, who finished most of it in 1421, and completed the Sagrestia Vecchia before 1429. Following his death, the church was finished by Antonio Manetti, who modified some aspects of the original plans, in 1461. The façade remained naked stone despite plans drawn up by Michelangelo at the request of pope Leo X. The wooden model for it is in Casa Buonarroti. The interior of the church is divided into three aisles by arched colonnades that are matched by side chapels. The ceilings of the side aisles are vaulted, while the ceiling of the central nave is carved wood. Despite some 18th century modifications the church still displays an astonishing sense of unity.