The arch externally is about
half the height of the structure. Inside, towards the town, it rises
nearly to the roof. On each side of the arch there is much room for
offices, apartments, storehouses, or whatever else. On the outside of
the gate, along the base, are those iron rings and sockets for torches,
which are said to be the distinguishing symbol of illustrious houses. As
contrasted with the vista of the narrow, swarming street through the arch
from without, the view from the inside might be presented with a glimpse
of the free blue sky.
I strolled a little about Florence, and went into two or three churches;
into that of the Annunziata for one. I have already described this
church, with its general magnificence, and it was more magnificent than
ever to-day, being hung with scarlet silk and gold-embroidery. A great
many people were at their devotions, thronging principally around the
Virgin's shrine. I was struck now with the many bas-reliefs and busts in
the costume of their respective ages, and seemingly with great accuracy
of portraiture, in the passage leading from the front of the church
into the cloisters.
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