Pisa for an interlude...
We left yesterday morning for the early train to Pisa. We meandered through the countrysides of Umbria and Tuscany, savoring the sights and making wish lists of future adventures.
Birthplace of Galileo and home of the famous Field of Miracles, Pisa has existed since 180 BC, but really began to take shape in 1118, year the cathedral (Duomo) was consecrated. It was not until 35 years later, in 1153, that work would begin on the Pisan Baptistery. In 1172, after another 20 years, a widow of a wealthy Pisan merchant made a substantial donation of 'sixty coins' to the church with instructions to build the marvelous campanile (bell tower).
We had only an afternoon and evening so we decided to devote our limited time to the Romanesque Duomo. At 5 PM, the bells called everyone to mass and Steve and I joined the large group flowing through the amazing main doors, the effect of first seeing inside is surreal.
There is no way for me to describe the beauty of this event. While not catholic and having never really been to a mass celebrating the Eucharist, especially in Italian, the incredibly historic setting, angelic singing with breathtaking acoustics, and the grandeur of the ritual itself, made the evening an indelible experience. Italy continues to surprise us!
Birthplace of Galileo and home of the famous Field of Miracles, Pisa has existed since 180 BC, but really began to take shape in 1118, year the cathedral (Duomo) was consecrated. It was not until 35 years later, in 1153, that work would begin on the Pisan Baptistery. In 1172, after another 20 years, a widow of a wealthy Pisan merchant made a substantial donation of 'sixty coins' to the church with instructions to build the marvelous campanile (bell tower).
We had only an afternoon and evening so we decided to devote our limited time to the Romanesque Duomo. At 5 PM, the bells called everyone to mass and Steve and I joined the large group flowing through the amazing main doors, the effect of first seeing inside is surreal.
There is no way for me to describe the beauty of this event. While not catholic and having never really been to a mass celebrating the Eucharist, especially in Italian, the incredibly historic setting, angelic singing with breathtaking acoustics, and the grandeur of the ritual itself, made the evening an indelible experience. Italy continues to surprise us!
2 comments:
Oh this all looks SO exciting! I am SO jealous! Enjoy!
I love the picture of everyone holding up the leaning tower of Pisa. What a great idea!
If I am not mistaken you used to be able to walk on the grass in front of the tower, this is why I don't remember there being a line up of people looking like they are doing aerobics!
Keep discovering Italy, I want a list of your top places to visit!
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