After being closed down for renovations for five years, the Forte Belvedere reopened its doors in early July with a showcase of works from the contemporary Chinese artist Zhang Huan. The exhibition entitled “Soul and Matter” consists of a series of paintings created with the ashes collected from Buddhist temples and Buddha sculptures in metal, cow skin and ashes. Personally I really enjoyed the paintings of the Free Tigers and the three-headed Buddha placed outside against the beautiful panorama of Florence.

I was at the doors of the fort at 10am on a Monday morning and I was the first visitor to enter. There were only a handful of other visitors and that gave me the opportunity to check it all out at my own pace. When I made my way back down the hill around 11.30am groups of tourists where coming up, so it might be a good idea to be there early, especially considering the summer heat.

The Forte Belvedere is absolutely worth a visit for the spectacular view of Florence alone.

PHOTOGALERY

Click on the photos for a larger view.