Italy - A chanting we will go 2025-05-06

 

Today, Jack and Ahliana went to enjoy Florence on their own while we did grocery shopping and then walked around the neighborhood. Street art is available for consistent consumption. This artist has a theme going and an Instagram page where you can show him you spotted his art and where.

Ahliana found the Basilica of San Miniato where we would be able to attend a Latin mass and stay for evening vespers by the Olivetan monks who founded the abbey in the eight century. The vespers are chanted with an antiphon and response. While the basilica was cluttered with scaffolding as part of the ongoing restoration, the acoustics still made the experience very spiritual. The current basilica and abbey, dating from the eleventh century sit on top of the hill just up from Piazzale Michelangelo. From the entry point, you can see all of Firenze laid out. 

To get to the basilica itself, you must climb many stairs. The church is undergoing restoration.

The cemetery is an amazing layout and with almost all of churches here, are well maintained and a thing of beauty.