Florence Feasts S. John Baptist

24 june, Florence Feasts S. John Baptist
 

Florence feasts S John the Baptist its patron saint through  religious and historical celebrations. The day starts at 8,30 a.m. with the liturgical procession during which new candles are brought from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa to the Baptistery, the romanic building dedicated to S. John symbol of the new life a man receives becoming Christian. The old religious celebration is represented by Giovanni Stradano in Palazzo Vecchio (the room dedicated to Gualdrada): here it is clearly visible that procession started in Piazza della Signoria.
The last match of the traditional football game will be held In the afternoon at 5.00 p.m. in Piazza S Croce: White against Red that is S Spirito against S. Maria Novella. At night wonderful fireworks to complete the festivities! In origins the guild of textile merchants (Calimala) organized the day to celebrate S. John. it was replaced  from 1796 by the society of S John the Baptist. In the "Treasure room" of  the Opera del Duomo museum the liturgical decoration of the Baptistery is preserved: the silver altar created by Andrea del Verrocchio and his pupils in 100 years decorated with the Stories of S John the Baptist the man who announced the arrival of Christ. On the altar there was a silver cross cast by Antonio del Pollaiolo and the embroidered drapery  weaved between 1466 and 1488 decorated the walls of the Baptistery and the clothing of priests during the Mass. It  represents the development weaving had in Italy in the XV century: silk and golden string! It is very precious!

Piazza della Signoria with the old pavement in terracotta
silver altar with the cross cast by Andrea del  Verrocchio
Antonio del Pollaiolo (Opera del Duomo museum)
Altri articoli
Gambassi Terme
Gambassi Terme

Prominence on Via Francigena.

The particular self-portrait
The particular self-portrait

It's a little bit strange because the Cathedral and the three doors too are entirely dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The Chapel of Mary Magdalene
The Chapel of Mary Magdalene

In the same period Seymour Kirkup, the historian who financed works in the chapel of Mary Magdalene, was the owner of Dante's mask now preserved inside Palazzo Vecchio.

Were was Dante Buried?
Were was Dante Buried?

Enrico Pazzi decorated even the base of the statue with four heraldic lions symbol of the Florentine Republic. The sculptor and his subject are united by a strange circumstance: Dante was born in Florence and died...