6.7.08

Florence - Bellissimo Windows and Doors

Below are some pictures of window and doors that caught my attention on my recent trip to Florence. I am sure that one could spend a lifetime there and still not run out of beautiful treasures to feast the eyes on! Everywhere you look there is splendor, attention to detail and the utmost respect for beauty. I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Florence Day 2 019 This photo was taken from the rooftop cafe at the Uffizi. The whole rooftop had a railing of this "quatrefoil" design.

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This is another view from the rooftop cafe of the Uffizi. You can see more of the quatrefoil railing.

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A modern awning, that doesn't detract from the architecture, that I find very appealing in it's simplicity.

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Notice the initials in the center of this beautiful ironwork balcony

Florence Day 2 083 Magnificent beyond belief this window in the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This cathedral reportedly holds 30,000 people. The cornerstone was laid in 1296.

038 A interior transom window over a door in the JK Place Hotel. I fell in love with this Hotel and their wonderful staff and I will be devoting a whole posting to it.

Florence Day 2 066 This was one of the simpler windows and only one of a few that I saw with flowers. I don't know why they don't have more flowers in Florence, if not only because it is so very, very, very HOT there.

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You can see the scale of the architecture. The man in the window is dwarfed in proportion.

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I can only imagine that this glass is a recent addition. I found it a little out of character, but at least they didn't have a neon sign blasting away at you.

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I loved the clock set between these two windows and the gold arms on it. I wonder how long it has been telling the time for the Florentines.

Florence Day 2 002 Look up at the ceiling through this window and you will see the most beautiful vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes.

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And of course Chanel was in a very prominent position right on the Piazza della Signoria facing the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio. You can see

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Florence Day 2 009 007 The picture on the left is one of the staircases in the Uffizi. There are a mere 200 stairs to climb to reach to top floor of the gallery. The Uffizi was originally built as offices for the Medici family who were astute bankers. It is now one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world.

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These were the only painted doors I saw in Florence and they particularly stood out for that reason. You can notice that the black door has a very attractive Carrara marble surround that lines the deep door casing.

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Notice the beautiful frescoed ceiling and the intricately detailed marble mosaic floor, to say nothing of the iron and glass door!!!!!

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Post Note: I have arrived in Ferrara and spent today riding around this 15th Century walled city on bike. Tomorrow morning I start my studies at the University of Architecture.

19 comments:

  1. I can't remember how I stumbled upon your blog - but I'm glad I did.

    I've spent a bit of time in Italy and can appreciate your posting of the architecture...it brings back a few memories of my youth.

    It's my dream to return one day.

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  2. Anonymous6/7/08

    Windows and doors!!!!! I will enjoy returning to this post over and over again. Your close up study of these magnificent examples are for framing. What kind of camera do you use, if you can share. Ginny

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  3. Anonymous6/7/08

    Dear Patricia
    I just started receiving your blogs, and I am really enjoying living your Italian experience with you! I love your pictures from Florence. I studied Italian Renaissance history at Queen's, and my dream is to go to Florence some day. Have a great time learning! I can't wait to get your next report! Alanna Kalnay, Belleville, Ontario

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  4. Anonymous6/7/08

    So much architectural beauty in one place, it must be breathtaking. Love the beautiful windows and doors. Thank you!

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  5. realy beautiful, u r tempting me 2 go 2 italy

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  6. These are really magnificent shots of Florence, Italy. You have great eye for beauty. I enjoy reading your blog.

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  7. Wow! What a great place to study. I'm loving your shots...so clear and composed. This inspires me to get out of the US and travel more...Can't wait to see your next post... Fay

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  8. thanks for taking me back to Firenze! Nothing quite like the attention to detail in Italian architecture, is there? bellissimo indeed!

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  9. Beautiful details...these are the kinds of things I notice when I travel.

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  10. Anonymous4/8/08

    Glad to hear you had a wonderful time... it's hard not to fall in love with Florence isn't it.

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  11. Anonymous13/8/08

    Dear Patricia,
    I recognize your contemporary entrance door (8-08-08)!!! That utterly FABULOUS home was designed by Cedric Gibbons, an incredible set designer (also designed the Oscar) and lived there with his actress/wife Delores del Rio. When I saw the home twenty years ago it was then owned by Adelle and Ira Yellin. Amongst his other projects, Ira rescued/restored the downtown Los Angeles Union Station. It is a most glamorous art deco home, with a black marble floor and fireplace in the living room, which is on the second floor next to the master bedroom and a fabulous bathroom! It now belongs to someone else who I hope is taking good care of it. Thank you for sharing!
    Barbara Robertson, Los Angeles

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  12. Anonymous16/8/08

    I love your style, it shines through in your work. So chic. So carefully edited. That's your whole look. Thanks for the beautiful Pictures of florence

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  13. GRAZIE Patricia for the photos, especially of the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). I was blessed to study art in Florence and I walked by that magnificent cathedral each morning on my way to classes and back home again each night. I never tired of appreciating it's amazing architecture and style then - I still don't today. THANKS for sharing... Lausen

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  14. Oh... Florence... amazing windows and doors. Amazing place!

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  15. I liked the post and images and I have got lots of ideas through by your post regarding doors and windows. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. I love collections of architectural features. When I was in Italy I did the same thing, photographing as many doors and windows as possible~

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  17. It's just simply fabulous! Taking a sight with those pictures of yours gives me a feeling of being in Italy in a minute. It's very artistic! Nice shots.

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  18. The most beautiful vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes in the ceiling is very beautiful. It is such a good creation.

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  19. You have a deep interest for doors and windows. You’ve traveled to Florence, and doors, windows, and doorknobs are the ones that caught your eyes. Well, I wouldn’t blame you. Who wouldn’t be attracted on those stylish doorknobs, those elegant windows and the outstanding carvings of those large doors? These are great architectural inspirations. Good luck!

    Kermit Lukacs

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Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

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