Our third day in Florence, or Firenze, began as a wet one.  That didn’t stop me from getting outside and exploring!

A plaque on a wall commemorates the building where Saint Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi lived and died.

Saint Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi lived in the monastery of the Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello.

As I walked along the nearly deserted streets, I passed an artist’s workshop.  It was closed, but I couldn’t resist peeking inside.

Before I knew it, I was standing before the Porta San Frediano, the westernmost city gate.  Travelers would pass through here, on their way to Pisa.  The gate dates from 1332, and the large wooden doors, attached to it, are the original ones.

The Tabernacolo di Santa Rosa is adjacent to the Torrino di Santa Rosa, and is part of the old city walls.  The Tabernacle dates from 1856.

I came upon a lovely little garden, dedicated to Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross.

The Circolo Ricreativo Culturale Età Libera is a community center that offers dance lessons, art workshops, and other cultural events to the community.

The Chiesa di San Francesco di Sales shares property with the Hotel Horto Convento.  The hotel occupies the area that once served as a girls boarding house.

The Albergo Popolare, housed in the ex-Convento del Carmine, dates from 1905, and was a refuge for the city’s needy.  Hidden from street view, there is a magnificent cloister, which has recently been restored.

Nearby, a school cafeteria was being set up for lunch.

Next up: A visit to the Accademia, and Michelangelo’s David!

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Florence, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!