Italy - You say Oblate, I say WOW 2025-06-03

We went out today and walked around. It's very hot now. We've walked by Biblioteca Delle Oblate several times and from the outside it doesn't look like much, so we didn't intend to partake, but you pass through the gates and the courtyard is adorned by these two statues opposite each other. Another library? Yes, Please!

Besides being a working library, complete with students enjoying multiple seating opportunities - inside and out - each floor is a feast for the eyes. To the side of the entry, is a telling of the resistance during World War II. The image of the damaged building is a reminder of the devastation this city endured. That location is not far from Santa Croce and obviously, looks completely different today. It brought to mind that the only bridge in Florence not destroyed during the repeated bombings, was Ponte Vecchio.

What they don't tell you is on the top floor is this lovely area where they used to dry laundry, but it's now a great space to enjoy reading or turning the corner and enjoying a light repast. 

Oh, and a view of the Duomo!  What a fantastic space! I wish we had found it earlier. Enjoyed mid-day aperitivi

In addition to other spaces, this door is on display outside an extensive literary collection.

Today's street art is one of a collection of these super cute comic-like people doing different things throughout the city. This one was located near the bus stop two streets over from our condo which we passed through almost every day.