Italy
has countless amazing cathedrals and churches, but the one that most intrigues
me is the Basilica di Santa Croce
(Basilica of the Holy Cross) in Florence. Why? Because it’s the final resting place
and memorial to some of the biggest names in Italian history. For this reason,
it has been given the nickname of “Temple of the Italian Glories.”
The basilica houses both tombs and cenotaphs, "empty tombs" or monuments
erected in honor of those whose remains are elsewhere. Some of the most famous of
these found in the perimeters of the basilica are Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini, Galileo,
Dante, Marconi and Fermi.
In addition, the floor of the basilica is paved with
276 tombstones of notable and wealthy Italians and clergy, so watch where you step. (Tombs/Cenotaphs in the Basilica di Santa Croce.)
Michelangelo’s
tomb was designed by the artist and biographer Giorgio Vasari in 1570 and executed
with the work of various artists. It’s adorned by three grieving statues
representing Michelangelo’s most salient talents: On the left “Sculpture” by
Cioli, in the center “Painting” by Lorenzi, and on the right “Architecture” by
Bandini. The bust of Michelangelo on the casket is by Lorenzi. The fresco above
the casket is of the Deposition from the Cross by Naldini. The great master’s
tomb is so beautiful that it served as a model for the others that came after.
Galileo’s
tomb is in the Baroque style and shows a bust of Galileo flanked by figures representing “Geometry” and “Astronomy.” Galileo’s student,
Vincenzo Viviani, so much admired his mentor that he requested to be buried
with Galileo upon his death. His wish was granted, so Galileo’s tomb also
includes Viviani’s remains. A third corpse also resides in the tomb and is
believed to be the remains of Galileo’s daughter, Maria Celeste.
Needless to say, the casket is a bit crowded inside.
The tomb of Italy’s most illustrious poet, Dante
Alighieri, is
actually a cenotaph since his remains are interred elsewhere. The cenotaph is a memorial to this man known as “The Supreme Poet.”
Due to his exile from Florence for political reasons, Dante’s remains are in a
small mausoleum in the coastal town of Ravenna, Italy. Florence eventually
regretted having exiled Dante and requested his remains be returned to
Florence, his birthplace. The custodians of Dante’s body in Ravenna refused.
The
Basilica di Santa Croce is the largest
Franciscan church in the world and houses some of Florence’s most
beautiful works of art. The work of greats such as Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Gaddi and Da Maiano are only a few and include not only the basilica’s structure, but also frescoes, paintings and statues... and of
course, the beautiful tombs and cenotaphs within.
The history of the basilica and the stories behind
the tombs and cenotaphs would take far more than a mere cappuccino minute. This
has been just a taste – a sip – a tease of information about this marvelous
basilica and what it holds inside. Click HERE for more information – OR –
better yet, hop on a plane and visit the Basilica di Santa Croce for yourself. Just be sure to allow plenty of
time to enjoy and explore every bit of the treasures within.
Ciao!
- Nina Spitzer
If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog,
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- Nina Spitzer
If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog,
go to
http://www.acappuccinominute.blogspot.com/
