Santa Maria della Scala

This is the dome of the beautiful duomo in Siena, Santa Maria della Scala.  The exterior is an architectural festival of green, white, pink and gold and dates back to 1215.  Inside you'll see the heads of 172, who've reigned from Peter to the 12th century peering down from above.  It's a spectacular church with many art treasures from Michelangelo to Bernani.

"Santa Maria della Scala"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Florentine Skyline

Florence, the city of the Renaissance. Home of Michelangelo and Dante, burial place of Galileo and the above. This is the city of spectacular art. And thanks to the Medici's, art was supported and encouraged. A definite must see for anyone interested in art history and the history of Italy.


“Florentine Skyline”   © Kathy Dunham 2010

The Pieta

This might be more appropriate for Easter but I think this is one of Michelangelo's greatest pieces of sculpture.  Finished in 1499 and the only piece where his signature is visable (it's on the sash the Madonna is wearing) the Pieta is an intricately and delicately carved piece of marble.  It's the first thing you see when you enter St. Peter's Basilica.

"The Pieta"  © Kathy Dunham 2009

Vatican Dome

It took more than 120 years from laying the cornerstone to the consecration of St. Peter's, 7 Popes and artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini to complete this marvelous edifice. An architectural wonder, this is a must see when in Rome.

"Vatican Dome" © Kathy Dunham 2009