How does this view strike you?! It’s from a public library, a place I frequent frequently, in the heart of historic Firenze.

Here are 2 videos showing you a view of the lovely courtyard outside the entrance to the library complex.

The next 3 photos will tell you everything the Oblate wants you to know about itself.

Did you read above that the hospital, which is what the Oblate was founded as, was funded by Falco Portinari? Did that name ring a bell for you? He was the father of Beatrice, who was the muse for Dante’s Divine Comedy of course.

Portrait of Folco Portinari by Hans Memling, c. 1490

Below is just a quattrocento fresco depicting the Annunciation. You know, like you find in your average library anywhere in the world. Ha ha.

The Oblate has an excellent spaces for readers and researchers, as well as a fine little cafe for sustenance from all the hard thinking that goes on here. The open air loggia outside the cafe, where the views of the dome of the duomo are to be enjoyed, is without parallel in the city. Sigh. What a wonderful world!