Is there anything better than being in a place that I love with the people that I love? The fall is my favorite time of year here in Tuscany. I love warm coats, less tourists and brisk walks. Welcome to Florence, @caitlynshiels! First up on the tour was my favorite place, Santa Croce. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce, on south-east of the Duomo. The site, when first chosen, was in marshland outside the city walls. From Cimabue’s cross to the garden outside, the church is magical. But what really makes it for me, are the incredible people that are laid to rest here. From Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli and Lorenzo Ghiberti to Florence Nightingale, this church is a literal place of wonder for so many reasons. These are the people that shaped not only my life, but western civilization. I also lived one block from there in my 20’s and it was a place I found myself often, staring in wonderment at the people who have inspired me so much.
