Thursday, February 10, 2022

Orsanmichele Part Two

As I mentioned yesterday, it was 87 steps to the second floor (first floor European style). It was one large open room. Arranged around the center were the original statues that had been placed in the outside niches by the various guilds of Florence. Some were marble; some were bronze. A sign said that the richer guilds were able to afford the bronze.

The ceiling was brick and stone, plain but beautifully done.



This statue of Four Crowned Martyrs was for the wood and stone workers.


This one is St. Philip, patron saint of the shoemakers.


And yes, there was another floor above this one. Looking down from the stairwell (only 63 steps), you can see some of the statues. The center of the room had a low stage built over it and I think there was a covered piano on it. There were chairs around the sides of the room, so I'm guessing that concerts or other events might be held here.


The top floor was an airy, open space. The views over the city were wonderful. I read that this level was where grain was stored in case of famine, not to be used except in emergency.


From this picture, you can see were were close to the height of the bottom of the Duomo dome.



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