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But when
we think of it as the birthplace of Virgil, and for a time at least, his
residence, who that has read the Aeneid would not be interested in seeing
Mantua, and wandering in its precincts, where the immortal Bard had his
haunts and home! A splendid marble shaft to his memory, erected by order
of Napoleon I, stands in a green and flowery spot in the town. We were greatly
pleased with this, for we could find nothing else, save a street bearing
the name of the great poet, to remind us that we were near the place of
his birth.
(Bologna)
We visited several of its churches and galleries of art. The painting
by Raphael of Cecilia entranced by the music of angels, is very fine.
The leaning towers, of which we had not heard before, are quite a curiosity.
(Florence)
It was a long and tedious ride to Florence. We left Bologna at three o’clock
in the morning, and soon a rain storm commenced, and continued through
the day. Mountain streams often rushed over our path.
Florence has a variety of attractions. The streets with a few exceptions,
are narrow and unpleasant. Its buildings, generally, are not elegant.
The muddy Arno divides the city. Its environs are beautiful. One may walk
or ride for hours in the Boboli Gardens or the Cascine, with delight.
Evergreens and statues adorn the paths. In the Pitti Palace you find paintings
that have a world wide fame. The beautiful creations of Raphael, especially,
including his celebrated Madonna della Seggiober, long obtains you in
rapt admiration. The tables of mosaic are wonderful specimens of the art
curated to such perfection there. The Uffizi Gallery is scarcely less
attractive. Many of its pictures and statues are known the world over.
Here is the famous Penus de Attedicci, so exquisite and graceful, it is
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