Florence, ITALY - Russian Church:  The Russian Orthodox Church in Florence, Italy, known as the Church of the Nativity of Christ and St. Nicholas, has a rich history rooted in the growing Russian community in Florence during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The church's construction was driven by the desire of the small but elite Russian colony for a permanent place of worship.  The idea for the church originated with Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaïevna, daughter of Tsar Nicholas I, in 1873. However, substantial funding came later from Prince Paul Pavlovitch Demidoff of San Donato, allowing construction to begin in 1899. The church was designed by Russian architect Mikhail Preobrazhensky and features a unique blend of Russian and Italian architectural styles. It includes a crypt dedicated to Saint Nicholas and an upper church dedicated to the Nativity of Christ.  Construction was completed in 1903.  The church's interior features wall paintings and icons by Russian artists, while Italian craftsmen contributed to the wall work, iconostasis carvings, mosaics, and majolica decorations. Initially under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the church later transitioned to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). The church is located near Fortezza da Basso.  This Divided Back Era (1907-15) is in good condition.