REALLY old books.

Okay last post of the day (make sure you scroll down to see the first two).

We went to the city library which is completely under construction, but they were nice enough to bring out some of their most important books to show us. Some of these were written before the printing press, others are from the Renaissance era.

These next for pics are from an astrological book, it was pretty amazing.

These circles MOVED to tell the astrological time. How awesome is that?

I really love how this picture came out. None of these were too easy to take because she was moving the pages so quickly. All of these were taken inside without a flash *hugs Zeus*

The oldest book in the library with gold leaf illumination and hand written script.
Obviously its a Bible because that was what the monks wrote mostly.

By the way, do you like my new header? Laura insisted I needed one with Italy pics so she made me this. I think it looks awesome! Thanks so much!

Italian Art

Now off to one of the biggest palaces in Macerata. Most buildings here actually are renovated palaces. This one is currently under restoration to become a museum but we got the inside scoop.

Zeus chilling out in the middle of the ballroom ceiling:

All the rooms have different themes, this particular one was the trials of Hercules.

Look Renaissance cartoons!Roman dude out on the balcony overlooking the courtyard.

This one isn't from the palace, it is from one of the local theaters. We were totally talking about how one of these days we want to get a group together and buy out one of the like 100 balconies. Even if we won't be able to understand a word of it, how awesome would an opera be under this ceiling? Pretty much the entire room looks like this.

Italy!

Well I have now been in Macerata, Italy for over two weeks and I am FINALLY updating my blog. I know everyone has been dying to see pictures of all I have been seeing so wait no longer! This is going to take me three posts to get everything on here so bare with me.
Lets start out with random pictures taken throughout Macerata.

This is a view from above of one of the many Piazzas throughout the old walled city.

This was originally built to be a sports stadium (post gladiators) but is now an outdoor theater. I so wish I was going to be here during the summer, this place is host to the second best outdoor opera in all of Italy.

Your basic Medieval city roof tiles.
These next two pictures were taken from the top of the clock tower. Unfortunately, I was too overcome by the beauty that stupid me forgot to take my camera off indoor settings so the pictures aren't the best at all. Oops!
The bell rang while we were up there. Have you ever had a giant bell ring about a foot behind your head? Cuz I'll tell ya, not so easy on the ears.
Oh yeah, I know you're jealous.