Travel Through Italy

Category: Florence

Visit Florence, with all of its beautiful Artwork, Upscale Restaurants and elegant shopping you will have a vacation to remember.

  • Accademia Gallery Florence

    Accademia Gallery Florence

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    Accademia Gallery

    The Accademia Gallery is a short walk from the Piazza del Duomo. It is home to the original statue of David that Michelangelo created. It’s so beautiful, big and imposing you just stand there in awe. There are other replicas throughout the town of Florence but none of them even compare to the original. One of which is installed where the original statue stood at Palazzo Vecchio. The original statue of David is magnificent and you have to view it in person and tell me what you think.

    Although David is the star attraction, there are also unfinished works of Michelangelo here. Michelangelo’s Prisoners that are lined along the corridor leading to David are not as popular. It transported a similar epiphany as in each Prisoner that I saw the artist and his medium as a single holistic entity. He began carving some statues for the tomb of a pope and unfortunately never finished them. The statutes looked like they are emerging from the marble. Even though they were not completed, the way he carved you could visualize the transformation. When I look at Michelangelo’s unfinished pieces, I marvel at how he can chisel such amazing statues from a block of stone.

    Even though the Accademia Gallery itself is small, it has some other interesting pieces. The other pieces in the museum contain many other statues, busts and artwork primarily with religious themes. They also do a great job by providing explanations and videos on how sculptors do their work. I especially enjoyed the video presentation showing the making of gold, gilded panels presented in an upstairs area I just happened to wander into.

    There are many amazing paintings hanging on the walls. Beautiful works by Domenico Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi, Bronzino and many others.

    There is a musical instrument section too. The Accademia Gallery houses the Grand Ducal collection of forty instruments in the museum wing. The displayed collection offers a little bit of history of each piece. And who built the instrument and who mostly played it was fascinating.

    Make sure to go to the lower level before you leave the Accademia Gallery. It has some terrific Rembrandts and Carravigio down there.

    You can also view a narrow wedding chest (Cassone Adimari). It is the front panel of a chest, and once belonged to the Adimari family. It represents a typical Florentine Renaissance wedding feast and shows monuments and medieval streets.

    Close to the wedding chest is a small shaped panel by Botticelli, the Madonna of the Sea. It is really breathtaking. The various versions of the Mona Lisa are striking.

    I really enjoyed the Accademia Gallery. The museum gives you your money’s worth.

    There’s much to see at Accademia Gallery in addition to the statue of David. Take your time and spend a while viewing the other remarkable collections as well.

    There is an enormous line to get in. Buy your ticket ahead of time to save yourself the long wait outside. A definite must if you visit Florence. [/tab]

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    Phone number: 055 2388612

    Address: Via Ricasoli 58 – 60, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 am to 6:50 pm

    Closed: Mondays, May 1st, Christmas, New Year’s Day.

    Ticket office closes at 6:20

    No photos allowed[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Statue of David Florence Italy

    Statue of David Florence Italy

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    Statue of David

    Statue of David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created between 1501 and 1504, by the great Michelangelo. The statue represents the Biblical hero David.

    The Statue of David may be the world’s most recognizable statue. It stands about 17 feet tall and made of marble.

    My trip to Florence would not have been complete without seeing this amazing work of art.

    It was amazing to see something in person that I have always seen in books and pictures.

    The look on his face and the details in his hands and feet are breathtaking. Every inch of detail is well done, from the bones of the feet to the muscles of the shoulders.

    Statue of David was originally placed next to the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio. To protect the statue from damage they moved it (in1873) from the piazza and placed it in the Gallery of the Academy of Florence. In 1910 a replica was placed in the Piazza della Signoria.

    Statue of David is one of the few pieces of art that absolutely must be experienced. This statute is mesmerizing and is the life of the museum. You just stare at it and marvel at the achievement this is and the sheer beauty. It’s the most impressive sculpture I’ve ever laid eyes on. You expect to see him come to life and walk off the pedestal.

    Statue of David is definitely the main attraction at the Gallery. But take the time to visit the other artwork, there are several beautiful pieces and not too crowded. It is well worth the price of entrance. However I would definitely purchase the ticket ahead to avoid the very long line. A must-see when visiting Florence. No visit to Florence would be complete without seeing the Statue of David. [/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 0552388609

    Address: Gallery of the Academy of Florence, Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, May 1, Christmas

    Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15 to 6:50

    Ticket office closes at 6:20

    Closing operations start at 6:40

    Photography is forbidden, however you can purchase pictures in the gift shop.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Giottos Bell Tower Florence Italy

    Giottos Bell Tower Florence Italy

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    Giottos Bell Tower

    Giottos Bell Tower is adjacent to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and right next to the magnificent Duomo. Giotto di Bondone considered the father of modern painting had designed and constructed this majestic bell tower.

    The entrance is through the tiny bookshop at the base of Giottos Bell Tower. The steps are fairly well lit. The first fifty steps or so are a bit narrow and there are no windows. In the beginning it can be a little claustrophobic. You just have to deal with the other tourist coming back down and others pushing their way up without any consideration. Just be patience and let people through if needed. As you make your way up there are some wider steps so you can take a break and let others pass you.

    When you reach the first level take the opportunity to sit down on the stone benches and catch your breath. This level does offer the view of the city. You can take some pictures here if you wish however the very top has the best views if you can manage all the stairs.

    After leaving that level the stairs become more confined. When you reach the top you are pretty much at the same level as the Duomo. What I like about Giottos Bell Tower is that you can a great view of the Duomo up close.

    You can really get a perfect view of Florence from the bell tower. And a pair of binoculars would help zero in on some of the historic monuments. It also offers a terrific sighting of Piazza della Signoria, one of Florence’s most beautiful squares.

    I have to say I felt a great sense of accomplishment to climb the steep and narrow stairs. It was a good way to burn all those calories from all the pasta and pizza I have been eating. I enjoyed the amazing view of this beautiful city. I recommend visiting Giottos Bell Tower if you have the stamina. I would go early in the morning if possible. There are less people and it isn’t as hot. If you have difficulty with stairs or you get claustrophobic, this may not be the best attraction for you.

    The small gift shop at the bottom has some good value books on Florence and the famous Medicis.[/tab]

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    Phone number: 055-230-2885

    Address: Piazza Duomo, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Hours: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm everyday

    Closed: Easter, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

    The walk up Giottos Bell Tower is not suggested for anyone suffering from heart, dizziness and claustrophobia. [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Pitti Palace Florence

    Pitti Palace Florence

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    Pitti Palace Florence

    Pitti Palace is positioned on the south side of the River Arno. After a delightful walk over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge I came up to this breathtaking palazzo. I walked up the stairs and easily found my way into Pitti Palace.

    Pitti Palace is a treasure house of Florentine history and artwork. It displays an extensive span of High Renaissance art including sensational Raphael’s Madonna’s and paintings by Caravaggio. There is an abundance of art in the Palantina Gallery. There are many Raphaels, Titians, a Caravaggio, an Artemisia Gentileschi and many more. It also has Florentine painters that are not as known that covers some of the walls.

    Upstairs you will find the Modern Art Gallery, which has 19th century art. It contained the Napoleon era. This gallery was very good also. The best part of this gallery is the large collection of Macchiaioli.

    I really enjoyed the Costume Gallery. I saw the costume museum and silver collection, both of which were stunning. The historical clothing collection had both modern and medieval, which was enjoyable to look at. The silver collection had more than silver, it included the Medici family china and jewelry.

    The rooms themselves are extraordinary. There is marble everywhere, and all of the ceilings have elaborate reliefs and giant murals. Some of the rooms have tremendous window dressings and antique furniture.

    The visit continues with the Royal apartments. It was occupied first by the Medicis, then by the kings of Italy. There were many great tables inlaid with semi-precious stones in the typical Florentine style. The furnishing of the many rooms you pass through is worth a visit in itself. Keep an eye out for one of them has the world’s most beautiful yellow marble bath.

    And finally, the Boboli Gardens is a must. The Boboli Gardens are beautiful and the views are spectacular. The garden offers some great views of the Duomo in the distance. It is filled with beautiful flowers, splendid sculptures and grottos. The gardens stretch up a hill with charming paths leading all over the place. Go down to the bottom and be sure to see the grotto. If you happen to climb the steps in the garden, you can continue on to the Fort du Belvedere.

    The Pitti has numerous exhibits and two different types of tickets that you can buy. One that includes the Royal apartments and a modern art exhibit and another that includes the Boboli Gardens.  It is well worth a visit, but do try to get there early. The ceilings, the decor, the sculptures, the paintings, the furniture, and the gardens were breathtaking.[/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 055 238 8713

    Address: Piazza de Pitti, 1, Florence, Italy

    Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 8:15 – 6:50

    Closed Monday, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Galileos Museum Florence Italy

    Galileos Museum Florence Italy

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    Galileos Museum

    Galileos Museum is situated in the historical Piazza dei Giudici. It is close to the River Arno and next door to the Uffizi Gallery.

    Galileos Museum collection is really well demonstrated in a way that helps you comprehend the role of Florence in renaissance science and discovery. It also will show you progression of science and knowledge over a few centuries of human history.

    The collection of original scientific instruments is impressive. It shows the development of instruments to explore time, space, temperature, astronomy, physics and medicine. What makes this visit to Galileos Museum even better is the excellent layout, graphics and demonstrations. The video animations on TV screens next to some of the displays were world top notch. The instruments are often works of art in themselves.

    The telescopes on the second floor are examples of early refractors and reflectors. There is a vast amount of historical electrical gear here also. There is plenty of chemical stuff and atmospheric science. Some of the first thermometers and barometers are in here. I found the maps to be extremely alluring. A specific map will surely astonish you. It is the map of the known world, back when they thought it was flat and to be one piece of earth.

    There is a terrific collection of antique bicycles in the lower level.  Galileo’s telescopes are located in the upper levels. They also have Galileo’s middle finger on display and another display with his thumb and forefinger of his right hand and a tooth.

    I really enjoyed the astrolabe collections. It is a key astronomical instrument. They used this instrument to tell the time, measure the heights of stars and buildings, and for many other important calculations and observations.

    Galileos Museum is a terrific place to visually experience the evolution of scientific instruments and ideas. It was a pleasant change from the art museums. I was just awe-struck to realize how advanced these scientists were back in the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. It is certainly worth seeing if you have an interest any aspect of science.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”206″] [/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 055 265311

    Address: Piazza dè Giudici, 1, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Tuesday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm

    Wednesday through Monday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Piazzale Michelangelo Florence Italy

    Piazzale Michelangelo Florence Italy

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    Piazzale Michelangelo

    Piazzale Michelangelo is the most panoramic and breathtaking place to visit in Florence. It overlooks the Arno River, the city and the rolling hills.

    This amazing terrace is a popular site with locals and tourists. It was created as part of major restructuring of the city walls. In 1869 Giuseppe Poggi designed a monument base devoted to Florence’s favorite son, Michelangelo. The monument itself was to be composed of replicas of Michelangelo’s works. A large bronze copy of his sculpture of David stands majestically in the center facing the city. It also includes the Medici chapel sculptures from San Lorenzo. When the terrace was completed Poggi designed the hillside the museum (now a restaurant) for Michelangelo’s works.

    There are two levels to Piazzale Michelangelo where you can take in excellent views of the city.  The higher level has some coin-operated binoculars so you can get a closer view of the sites. There are plenty of street musicians, souvenir and food vendors that can be found here.

    Also the famous church of San Miniato is just above Piazzale Michelangelo and is well worth a visit. If you happen to be there on a Sunday night, walk up the extra level to see the basilica because there may be monks chanting.

    I walked from the Ponte Vecchio (bridge) up to Piazzale Michelangelo. It’s a little bit of a walk, but it is truly an experience. I was there just before sunset and was able enjoy the transition from day to night overlooking the city of Florence. I bought some gelato and spent a delightful evening sitting on the steps viewing the little red rooftops the Uffizi tower and the top of the Duomo.

    It’s perfect any time of the day really. However I think to really appreciate the view I recommend coming here and watching the sunset or maybe come and watch the sunrise. The scenery is like no other. You won’t want to leave. Best of all, there are no tickets to buy or long lines to wait in because it’s free. So bring your camera and snap away.

    If you don’t to walk up to see Piazzale Michelangelo you can drive there and park for free. You can take a bus from the city or take a taxi. From the Ponte Vecchio it is about a twenty minute walk to the top.[/tab]

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    Address: Piazzale Michelangelo, 50125 Florence, Italy[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Bargello Museum Florence

    Bargello Museum Florence

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    Bargello Museum

    Bargello Museum is just a block down from the Piazza della Signoria. It is on the corner of Via del Proconsolo and Via Ghibellina. Via del Proconsolo is the road that leads around the back end of the Duomo.

    The building itself is fascinating with terrific architectural detail. I was amazed at the building’s history. It is one of the oldest buildings in Florence that dates back to 1255. It was an old stone police station and then a prison. It has galleries on three levels around a center courtyard.

    Bargello Museum has some amazing works of statues in marble and bronze. It houses beautiful paintings, frescoes, ceramics and architectural gems. It also has masterpieces by Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Donatello and Verrochico to name a few.

    Michelangelo’s Bacchus is here. It was just riveting to observe the god of wine raising his glass while the little guy is going for the grapes. This is one of Michelangelo’s first works after his arrival in Florence. There is also the two-sided Brutus in this room. Take some time and look at the two sides of his face to see the different expressions.

    There is an outstanding collection of busts of Florentine notabilities. I loved the bust of Michelangelo. It gives you a really good idea of what the great artist looked like. You can see two different takes on the subject of David by two great artists, Donatello and Verrochico.

    Bargello Museum has many other treasures. I really enjoyed the rooms that displayed hundreds of pieces of carved ivory, Venetian glass, silver, terra cotta and rare Islamic treasures. They also had a case full of exquisite cameos.

    Don’t forget to check out the armor and weapon display. There is an entire floor dedicated to the magnificent ceramic art of the Della Robbia family.

    The courtyard has more and the staircase leads to the upper loggia and its sculptures. One of the most interesting things in the Bargello Museum is the long line of shields. They belong to the chiefs of police in Florence; these shields line the walls of the interior courtyard. There is a 17th century bronze cannon commissioned by a Medici Grand Duke for the Fortress of Pisa. While you are there take notice of the well in the courtyard. That is where they had hanging executions back when it was a prison.

    The balconies and staircase in the inner courtyard also provide some terrific photo opportunities.

    Bargello Museum is on a smaller scale than some of the others that you might have visited.

    The museum was not over crowded. This allows you to take your time to sit and enjoy the magnificent surroundings without too much disturbance. You could easily spend a good half-day going around Bargello Museum as there is so much more to see.

    I was very impressed with the art at the Bargello Museum and I will definitely return. I highly recommend a visit here.[/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 055 238 8606

    Address: Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday 8:15 am – 2:00 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Dante House Florence Italy

    Dante House Florence Italy

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    Dante House

    Dante House is situated on a corner and is located very close to the Church of Danta.

    This isn’t the actual house Dante lived in. It was reconstructed and is in the area where he lived. Dante’s history is retold in this museum.  Dante Alighieri is the great poet, writer the father of the Italian language. He was the member of one of the best families in Florence. He was born around the end of May or early June 1265.

    The house is very charming from the outside. It is a museum housed on three floors of the house of the poet. It shows some ancient relic a few copies of the Divine Comedy. There are several descriptions and pictures about the Guelphs and the Ghibellines and their battles. One area is dedicated to the relationship with Beatrice.

    The first floor shows some of the features of 13th century Florence. It shows Dante’s youth and on his participation in politics and the military.

    On the second floor you will see stuff relating to his heartbreaking exile of 1301, the year of his condemnation. He chose to spend his last years at Ravenna where we would die (1321) in the home of Guido da Polenta.

    The third floor there is a collection of terrific reproductions of works of art painted by important artists. It included artists like Ghirlandaio, Michelangelo, Raphael and many others.

    Dante is responsible for the spoken language of Italian. Before he started to write all writings were in Latin. And before unification of Italy there were many dialects. Dante wrote for the masses in Italian and thus the written Italian language was born.

    Dante House is a bit small but is an interesting museum where you can discover the life of a citizen of Florence in past centuries. While unlike other museums in Florence where you find art, here you get to experience the Florence of Dante’s time. I found the story to be magnificent. I recommend visiting while in Florence. The tour takes about an hour.[/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 055 218402

    Oct – Mar:
    Tue – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm

    Apr – Sep:
    Daily: 10 am – 6 pm

    Address: Via Santa Margherita 1, Florence, Italy

    The ticket costs is 4 Euro.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Duomo Museum Florence Italy

    Duomo Museum Florence Italy

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    Duomo Museum

    Duomo Museum is located just behind the Duomo with easy access from the square. This museum is well laid out with great displays and very good lighting.

    Duomo Museum helps to put the history of Florence and the area into perspective. It’s not that big, however it has some terrific pieces. I would highly recommend stopping in and learning about the Italian sculptures and the history behind it.

    Ghiberti’s baptistery bronze doors alone are worth the entrance fee. The Doors of Paradise from the Baptistery are amazing. Seeing the intricacy and the care he took in creating depth and architectural elements in the baptistery doors design is marvelous. It was great to read about each panel and identify well-known biblical stories depicted in each one. To be able to see the baptistery doors up close and take photographs in front of you is a real treat.

    The Florentine Pieta is also another highlight well worth seeing. This is a replica, the original one is in the Vatican. Michelangelo was creating this for his own tomb, however he was not pleased with the result and tried to destroy it. He carved himself into the face of Nicodemus and you can see clearly the older look of the artist. It’s especially impressive because Michelangelo carved this masterpiece in his 70s.

    There are many other reasons to see the Duomo Museum. Among them was Donatello’s Magdalena Penitent with its splendidly depiction of the ravages on her body was a breath-taking experience. There are some other interesting sculptural pieces by Donatello not to be missed. Don’t forget to see the outstanding Silver Altar of St. John. The work is stunningly beautiful.

    I also liked the exhibition on how the Duomo came to be designed and built. It outlines the building and the changes in its facades over time. It also had some of the tools used in building the Duomo. They provide excellent labels and explanations in English.

    There are silver reliquaries (holds John the Baptist’s finger).  An amazing mosaic of St. Zenobius, wonderful pieces by Della Robbia, and much more. Keep an eye out for a very rare painting by Chalangio. It’s both stunning and surprising.

    Duomo Museum is a treasure trove of art. It’s an amazing building with a lot of history. It’s a must on your visit to Florence and a great way to spend a couple of hours. [/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 055 230 2885

    Address: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm

    Saturday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

    Sunday Closed[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Palazzo Vecchio Florence Italy

    Palazzo Vecchio Florence Italy

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    Palazzo Vecchio

    Palazzo Vecchio is one of Florence’s most grand and significant buildings. Generations of the powerful Medici family lived here. They ruled and conducted business from here until the family moved to the Pitti Palace. The Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum, but it still holds the symbol of local government.

    Palazzo Vecchio is a very impressive from the outside. There are some beautiful replicas of famous sculptures out front as well.

    The Palazzo Vecchio houses the Salone die Cinquecento, a very big public hall built originally for Savarola. Giorgio Varsari expanded it and turned into a great meeting hall for Cosimo Medici. Varsari’s design includes one of the first suspended ceilings in the world.

    The Palazzo Vecchio is very grand with spacious rooms and beautiful stone staircases. You will find numerous artifacts, artworks, busts, statues, sculptures and tapestries.

    As you walk through the rooms enjoy the frescoes, statues and the artwork. I found everything to be top notch. The architectural details including the molding and floors are wonderful. You will notice some of the rooms are devoted to mythical creatures such as Jupiter and the elements of nature.

    The Hall of the 500 was especially stunning with the art of Vasarri. The ceilings are amazing. As you continue on the tour, you will see the apartments of Eleanor of Toledo and the nearby Room of Maps. The Sala Dei Gigli on the top floor is also full of art. I think they are all worth a visit. Don’t forget to see the Art of Spinning ceiling, the luxurious Audience Rooms, and the Hall of Lilies. My favorite parts of the tour were the Map room (with the secret door), also the stories of the suspicion of the Medici’s and the secret tunnel. Giorgio Vasari made the Vasari corridor, through commission of Cosimo Medici. The tunnel leads from Palazzo Vecchio through the Gallery Ufizzi over the Ponte Vecchio to the Pitti palace.

    It is well worth the effort to tour the hidden passages of Palazzo Vecchio. It includes access to the attic over the suspended ceiling. You can see what Varsari designed to hold the ceiling and all the paintings.

    The tower in the Palazzo Vecchio is stunning and much easier to ascend than the bell tower at the Duomo. If you choose to take a little break, you can rest in a very comfortable room half way up. It is worth the 200 plus steps to the top. The tower gives incredible views not only of the Duomo but also 360 degrees of what Florence has to offer. It is very captivating. Palazzo Vecchio is not to be missed. It is beautiful to see and it exceeded my expectations.

    If you’re looking for a nice place to eat with a nice view of the Palazzo Vecchio, then stop by the Caffè Mokarico. Dinner was delicious and afterwards I had some amazing gelato next door. Both places were affordable and offered high quality food. [/tab]

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    Phone number: +39 055 276 8325

    Address: Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy

    Hours: October through March:

    Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday 9am – 7pm.

    Thursday 9am – 2pm

    April through September:

    Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday 9am until midnight. Thursday 9am – 2pm[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Medici Chapels Florence Italy

    Medici Chapels Florence Italy

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    Medici Chapels

    The Medici Chapels is attached to the beautiful San Lorenzo church. The chapels were added to commemorate the famous and powerful Medici family. It houses some of the most important sculptures ever completed by Michelangelo.

    I am so glad that I decided to stop by the Medici Chapels. It looks relatively unassuming from the outside, however the main chapel is just as majestic as the Medici legacy. The wealth of the Medici’s is beautifully displayed here. It’s full of beautiful Medici family treasures and as well as portraits of the Medici dynasty. The Medici pope’s (Leo’s) red hat and gloves are some of the items on display.

    The Medici Chapels is made of two parts. Michaelangelo created the New Sacristy and the much larger Chapel of the Princes is designed by a group of other artists.

    The Chapel of the Princes is a breathtakingly massive space. It has an amazing open dome. The various paintings are astounding. The altar of the Chapel of Princes is quite stunning with all of the marble work found there. The Interior of the cupola of the Chapel of Princes is a marvelous work of art also.

    However the smaller sacristy housing the beautiful Michelangelo sculptures Dawn and Dusk, Night and Day and Madonna and Child, was most memorable. It is a very calm and extraordinary simple space that was very well executed. Frescoes in the main chapel are stunning.

    You can also find the tombs of Old Cosimo, Piero the Gouty, Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Guiliano. There is an unforgettable death mask of Lorenzo the Magnificent, to me it look like he was just sleeping when it was made.

    There are doors all around so make sure you find them. One door will bring you to a display of religious relics. Another door will lead to the chapel with three more sarcophagi.

    Bronzino’s martyrdom of St. Lawrence is spectacular. Filippo Lippi’s Annunciation is in the Old Sacristy along with two great bronze doors by Donatello. Make sure you go to the basement of the New Sacristy, there are some incredible charcoal drawings by Michelangelo on the walls.

    The Medici Chapels are part of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. It is a separate attraction from the church and both require a separate admission fees. The Medici Chapels is completely worth a visit when you are in Florence. [/tab]

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    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 238 8602

    Address: Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, 50123 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday through Sunday 8:15 am to 4:15 pm

    No pictures allowed

    Medici chapel is a part of the San Lorenzo church, but there is a separate entrance and a separate admission fee to pay.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Boboli Gardens Florence Italy

    Boboli Gardens Florence Italy

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    Boboli Gardens

    Boboli Gardens are a great place to escape the crazy crowds and relax with stunning views of Florence and the surrounding hillsides. The Boboli Gardens are an impressive collection of well-manicured hedges and lawns with an exceptional view of Florence’s panorama and the Pitti Palace.

    The delightful Boboli Gardens are adjacent to the Pitti Palace. These majestic Renaissance gardens were developed for the Medici family when they lived in the Pitti Palace.

    Here you will find splendid statues, unique grottos, beautiful fountains, wooded pathways and of course beautiful gardens.

    I especially enjoyed the Grotta Buontalenti. Bernardo Buontalenti was commissioned by Francesco I de’ Medici to build it. Before you walk inside make sure to stop and admire the stunning statues of Ceres and Apollo by Baccio Bandinelli on either side of the entrance. Above the entrance you can also see the coat of arms of the Medici family placed at the center along zodiacal signs. Once inside you will be amazed to see the beautiful sculptures, wall and ceiling frescoes.

    Isolotto’s Basin with Perseus on horseback is located here. It’s a wonderful statue of Perseus on a half-submerged horse making his way through the water.

    The Ragnaie (spider’s lane) is a lovely pathway where the green trees are formed into a canopy above a gravel pathway. This spot will give you a great photo shot, so bring your camera.

    The amphitheater is behind the palace and it is massive. It was inspired by the ancient Roman circuses.

    Neptune Fountain is directly above the amphitheatre. There is a bronze statue of Neptune in the center holding his trident, while Tritons and Sirens surround the base.

    The beautifully landscaped grounds are vast and I would suggest spending a few hours here. Take a lunch with you, as you are allowed to eat in the gardens. I went to a local market and bought picnic foods before my visit to Boboli Gardens. I picnicked on a high point overlooking Florence, admiring the landmarks

    This is a lot of walking and a lot of uphill and stairs so make sure you wear a pair of comfortable shoes. Boboli Gardens are definitely high on my recommendation list. [/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”209″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: 39 0552651838

    Address: Piazza Pitti, Florence, Italy

    Open daily: 8:15 am (closing time depends on season)

    Closed on the last Monday of each month.

    The main entrance to the Boboli Gardens is from the Pitti Palace.

    Ticket fee is 10 euros, but you have also an entrance to Porcelain Museum and Costume Museum.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Church of Santa Maria Novella Florence

    Church of Santa Maria Novella Florence

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Church of Santa Maria Novella Florence

    The Church of Santa Maria Novella is located in Florence and is situated across from the Santa Maria Novella Railway Station.

    The Church of Santa Maria Novella is a very beautiful church. Before walking inside the church, take some time and admire the beauty of the outside. The exterior is built with rough stones, clad with marble. The façade built by Alberti is amazing. The black and white marble on the facade is used extensively in the interior and is jaw-dropping. Inside the Church of Santa Maria Novella has some fantastic artwork. It includes explanations in English, which is a great bonus.

    The main chapel is the Capella Maggiore. It houses the remarkable Crucifix that was done by Giambologna. Alessandro Agolanti made the fascinating stained glass windows on a design by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The Gondi Chapel has the Crucifix of Filippo Brunelleschi, a terrific work of art. The frescoes on the walls behind the altar is stunning, Domenico, David and Benedetto Ghirlandaio made them. The Spanish Chapel is full of amazing art and is delightful to see.

    In the Dominican chapel you can find the famous masterpiece Holy Trinity (Massaccio’s Trinita). It is the first painting to use math proportions for a perception of depth. Galileo Galilei the Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher was first denounced here. So there is a lot of significant works and history here.

    The Great Cloister now a museum is compelling, it also provides English descriptions of the pre renaissance artwork.

    The church then leads out into a pretty courtyard with an impressive side chapel and a separately accessed cloister. There is also an enchanting graveyard.

    There is a small shop where you can purchase books, postcards and little religious items. It is located in the main church, surrounded by art and wood paneling.

    Church of Santa Maria Novella is too beautiful to miss. I would recommend going if you have the time. It should take about 45 minutes to tour.

    The Piazza in front of the church has newly placed benches. The area is alive with activity; it’s a focal point for enjoying the sun and people watching. [/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”188″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 219257

    Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 18, 50123 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

    Friday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm

    Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

    Sunday Closed

    Church charges an admission fee (5 Euro), but it is well worth it.

    No photography is allowed in the church.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Piazza del Duomo Florence Italy

    Piazza del Duomo Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Piazza del Duomo

    Piazza del Duomo is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence. Piazza del Duomo is the center of several attractions you will want to visit. You will find the Florence Cathedral with the Brunelleschi’s Dome, the Giotto’s Bell Tower. The Florence Cathedral is a must-see if you’re in Florence. The exterior has a number of statues and several beautiful mosaic religious scenes. The sheer beauty of the bell tower is overwhelming. You can also see the Florence Baptistery, the Museum of Bigallo, the Opera del Duomo Museum, and the Arcivescovile and Canonici’s palace. The west side of the square is called San Giovanni square.

    Across the plaza is the Baptistery. The doors of the Baptistery are awe-inspiring, with beautiful and magnificent architecture and carved doors done in gold.

    The Duomo itself is a mass of tile work. The intricate details on the Duomo building are outstanding. Gold plated, multi colored marble gives this massive building a one of a kind look. The Duomo has to be seen in person in order to understand its magnificence as a whole. You must walk around this to see all of the work on this building and the beautiful sculptures that surround it. On a scale so immense, you could spend hours walking this place of beauty.

    Once inside the Duomo you can take everything and see part of Florence’s history and the church. It is lovely and huge. Admission to inside is free but you need 10 euro to climb the staircase to the tower. The experience of climbing over four hundreds steps to the top was exhilarating. But it is worth every step to take a birds view of the beautiful city. All the roof of the buildings are red, such consistency is stunning.

    Piazza del Duomo is a must see in Florence. Don’t just stroll by, take your time to actually look at the buildings and take in the amazing history and architecture that is involved in the structure.

    There are a lot of restaurants, bars and cafes in the vicinity. There are also souvenir shops where you can buy hand-painted ceramics and local crafts.

    Piazza del Duomo is a hub of activity. You can go in any direction and find something interesting to see. It’s a great place to sit down for a while, have some coffee and people watch. Be prepared to be totally impressed, Piazza del Duomo will blow you away with its unique beauty.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”194″] [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Church Santa Croce Florence

    Church Santa Croce Florence

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Church Santa Croce

    The Church Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is very distinguishing and beautiful. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce. The sheer size of Santa Croce is tremendous with the side chapels along the cloisters also filled with great works of art.

    Church Santa Croce is the primary Franciscan church in Florence and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the final resting place for many of the most famous Italians of history, such as Michelangelo, Foscolo, Machiavelli, Galileo, Rossini and Gentile. There is also a reserved place for Dante whose tomb is still in Ravenna.

    The outside is beautiful and it has a similar style of the Duomo. Before walking inside the Church Santa Croce you will see a big blue six-point star, like Star of David. The reason behind that is the architect Niccolo Matas who designed the facade was Jewish. Near the entrance for this charming basilica is a tall beautiful statue of Dante. He was a major Italian poet of the middle ages. That’s the side where you’ll find the entrance to the church.

    As you walk around the interior of the basilica you will notice water marks high on the walls. You can also see that some of the art has water damage that is yet to be repaired. There was a flood in 1966 and the water reached twenty feet in some places.

    The entire church has beautiful painting and architectural details throughout from floor to ceiling to treasure. You can get up close to many statues, paintings and stained glass. All of it was just stunning. Cimabue’s Crucifixion and other works of art by Orcangna and Settignano were just enchanting. The della Robbia ceramic work is extraordinary in the Pazzi Chapel; Filippo Brunelleschi designed it.

    Around the sides of the basilica are the tombs of the famous artists and statesmen. Seeing the distinctive details adorning the catacombs made this church stand out.

    As you leave the Church Santa Croce you walk through the Cloister. Not to be missed are the frescoes of Giotto. The frescoes are jaw dropping beautiful and I could of stayed there for hours just taking them in. The Cloisters are so peaceful. After that you will see the gift shop and then out into the refectory. There’s a beautiful monument to Florence Nightingale, who was born in the city. There is also an adjacent leather school the friars founded to give orphans a chance to learn a trade. They sell purses, coats, wallets and a few other leather items.

    Around the vicinity of the beautiful piazza you will find many shops. If you’re interested in local artwork, you will also see many painters and artisans selling their merchandise.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”193″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 246 6105

    Address: Piazza Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Florence, Italy

    Fee entrance 6.5 Euro, 8.5 with the house of Buonarotti. It is surely worth it.

    Shoulders and knees have to be covered. They have paper shawls and leg coverings for women who are wearing bare-shouldered blouses or short skirts.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Piazza di Santa Maria Novella Florence Italy

    Piazza di Santa Maria Novella Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Piazza di Santa Maria Novella

    The Piazza Santa Maria Novella is adjacent to the Church of Santa Maria Novella. It is situated close by the bus station and rail station, which is the main transport hub in Florence.

    Once I arrived here, I was happy to sit down and just relax. It doesn’t get crowded here so you can enjoy the open space with a spectacular view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

    Piazza di Santa Maria Novella is a terrific looking square. It is a very nice and quite big. However there is not as much atmosphere as the other famous Piazzas. Once you’ve seen it, there really is not much to do. It doesn’t have any statues like the others have. What I did like about it was that there was some grass and flowers here instead of just concrete. It makes for a nice change from the lack of green I had seen in so many squares in Florence.

    Overall, it is not much of an actual attraction. There are an abundance of cafes and shops. Do not miss the chance to take photos of the facade of the Church of Santa Maria Novella. You can admire the beautiful facade of the Church while comfortably sitting on a bench.

    Once you have done that you can walk to the Church of Ognissanti. You will find Domenico Ghirlandaio’s most spectacular masterpiece Last Supper fresco at this basilica. [/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”223″]  [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Loggia dei Lanzi Florence Italy

    Loggia dei Lanzi Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Loggia dei Lanzi

    Loggia dei Lanzi is a roofed stone building with open walls on two sides. It is situated on the southeast corner of the Piazza della Signoria. It houses many unbelievable statues. They are very intense and grandiose.

    As you walk up the steps you will notice huge marble lions flank them. There is a stunning statue of Menelaus Holding up the Body of Patroclus. You might recognize this if you have read The Iliad or know the tale of the Trojan War. There is a statue of Hercules Defeating the Centaur Nessus, by Giambologna. Another is one of the best marble statues in the world Rape of the Sabine Women, by the same artist. Then there is another group work of The Rape of Polyxena, by Pio Fedi. He created this masterpiece around 1855 and is considered his most famous work.

    One of my favorites is the bronze statue of Perseus Holding the Head of Medusa. The statue is massive. The base of the statue is beautifully carved. Benvenuto Cellini created this spectacular piece. This remarkable statue stands just outside the entry steps below the overhanging roof. Perseus has just cut off Medusa’s head and is holding it up in the air. You know what they say so be careful not to look at it and be turned to stone.

    If you walk directly away from the front of the Perseus statue for a few yards you will see a round plaque on the ground. This is a historical spot. This spot marks where the monk Girolamo Savonarola, who once ruled Florence. Savonarola demanded all the items of beauty in the city confiscated. From jewelry, art, sculpture, mirrors, hairbrushes, etc. piled up and burned, calling it The Bonfire of the Vanities. Later on the Pope accused Savonarola of heresy and blasphemy and was eventually garroted and then burned on the same spot.

    But whatever you do, don’t lean on the base or touch any of the statues. A man guards them day and night with a whistle. He will pounce on you and tell you off.

    The Loggia dei Lanz is not only worth a visit in order to see the beautiful art, but it’s also a good place to rest. It’s a central location and easy to find. It’s a perfect place to meet up with friends or family. The musicians around the plaza are wonderful to listen too. It is also a great place to watch the tourists as they stroll by. [/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”222″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 23885

    Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50121 Florence, Italy

    Open 24 hours a day[/tab][end_tabset]

  • La Specola Museum of Zoology and Natural History

    La Specola Museum of Zoology and Natural History

    [tab name=”Description”]

    La Specola Museum of Zoology and Natural History Florence

    La Specola Museum of Zoology and Natural History is located right near the Pitti Palace. It is the oldest natural history museum in Europe. Inside there is a huge collection acquired by several generations of the Medici family. They collected many natural treasures like fossils, animals, minerals, bugs, amphibians and exotic plants.

    The winged insect area is interesting and informative. I thought the display of stuffed African mammals (bears, lions and tigers) was awesome. You can also see specimens of birds, for example Carolina Parakeet driven to extinction by humans.

    I enjoyed seeing the stuffed Thylacine, also known as Tasmanian tiger (it had a striped back). There was a unique marsupial (pouched mammal), evolved to fill the niche occupied elsewhere by wolves. Tragically the sheep farmers drove the species to extinction. The most famous specimen in the place is the hippopotamus. It was the pet hippo of the Medici family. There is a photo opportunity in the ape room. You will see that there’s an empty display case next to the orangutan. It is labeled Homo sapiens. You can stand in for an amusing photo. The animal collection just kept going and going.

    The big highlight is the fascinating collection of life-sized wax models of human anatomy in varying states of bad health. It was modeled from dissections of real cadavers by eighteenth century Florentine sculptors. Some of the dates being as early as 1775, when dissection was still very much illegal. They were created to teach medical students. Art students sit and draw them for hours.

    Additionally, there’s a special exhibition downstairs. It’s an extra fee, but well worth it. They have a large display of fascinating crystals. There are a lot gems from many continents. They also provide some educational videos.

    I loved seeing all of the exhibits in La Specola Museum of Zoology and Natural History. Please be aware that there are very limited English descriptions of the exhibits. Nonetheless, I feel the museum is worth a visit. It is great for a rainy day or when you need break from the Renaissance artwork. If you love science, don’t miss this museum.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”221″] [/tab]
    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: 39 55 228 8251

    Address: Via Romana 17, Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday Closed

    Tuesday through Sunday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

     

  • Great Synagogue and Museum of Florence

    Great Synagogue and Museum of Florence

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Great Synagogue and Museum of Florence

    Great Synagogue and Museum of Florence is a large and interesting synagogue with a small museum that will give you some background on the Jewish community in Florence.

    It’s a short walk from Piazza Santa Croce. If you happen to be are over there, it’s worth stopping by here.

    Great Synagogue and Museum of Florence was built with funds from the Estate of David Levi (Italian-Jewish poet and politician). His wish was to have a Synagogue worthy of Florence. The workmanship and detail of this synagogue built in the late 1800’s is breathtaking. The Moorish influence on the architecture is very beautiful. The architects were Marco Treves, Mariano Falcini and professor Vincente Micheli. Their design integrated the architectural traditions of the Islamic and Italian worlds.

    The copper roof was oxidized to have the green roof stand out over the Florentine skyline.

    The interior is richly decorated with skillfully hand painted walls. Giovanni Panti created the mosaics and frescoes. The pillars surrounding the main arch (Giacomo del Medico designed them) are black marble with gold paneling. It is magnificent.

    The museum upstairs is a bit small. However, it is very informative and moving. It has some beautiful sacramental ornaments and religious scrolls. There are extremely knowledgeable congregation members there to explain the history of Jews in Florence. They will also provide you information about the present.

    The grounds are very peaceful. In the garden of the temple there is a memorial displaying the names of the Jewish people living in the Florence community killed by the Nazis. A similar plaque is also at the railway station of Santa Maria Novella. It is the location from which set off the train of Jewish prisoners headed for the concentration camps.

    Great Synagogue and Museum of Florence was a great experience. Synagogues do not look like this anywhere in America.  Despite the destruction of most of the Jewish community in Italy during the holocaust, this synagogue still operates regularly. It is well worth the visit. It was interesting to learn about the local Jewish community in Florence.

    Afterwards if you are hungry you can stop next-door and eat at Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant. About a mile down the road is a Chabad House.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”220″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 234 6654

    Address: Via Luigi Carlo Farini, 6, 50121 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:00 am to 4:45 pm

    Friday 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

    Saturday Closed

    Sunday 10:00 am to 4:45 pm

    The ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing time.

    Be prepared to go through a metal detector before entering.

    No phones and pictures allowed inside.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Salvatore Ferragamo Museum Florence

    Salvatore Ferragamo Museum Florence

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

    Salvatore Ferragamo Museum is well done and is situated in the basement of the Ferragamo store at Via dei Tornabuoni. The museum is a little small but it was interesting to learn the history of Ferragamo. It really opened my eyes to fashion history. He started out when he was a young boy. His sisters needed shoes for their confirmation. With no shoe experience he made shoes for their big day. When he got older he got a job at a local shoe shop. After that he started his own shoe store in his parents basement. Eventually, Ferragamo moved to Hollywood in the 1920’s and opened a shop designing shoes for the big stars. He made so many shoes for the stars that I would’ve never known about.

    Salvatore Ferragamo Museum has many shoes on display. The exhibits are beautifully laid out with so many spectacular shoes to see. The history and stories behind the shoes was very interesting. He designed for all the beautiful Hollywood icons including such as Lauren Bacall, Greta Garbo, Sophia Loren, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn, and many others.

    There were some shoes created by Salvatore Ferragamo and some of the tools he used. Salvatore Ferragamo Museum evolves around myths, short stories, fairytales and how shoes/shoemakers have influenced culture over time. There was a wonderful short film based on Ferragamo on how he got started in the shoe business. They also show how the shoes were designed with the anatomy of the foot in mind, (he proceeded to study anatomy at the University of Southern California) among other interesting facts.

    I saw the Marilyn Monroe exhibition and it was totally worth it. You go through some draped curtains into a room. It has her Ferragamo shoes, some dresses from some of her movies. It also includes her journal entries and photos being showcased. There is a projector showing clips of her films. It shows you the Marilyn story of fame and her insecurities.

    Salvatore Ferragamo Museum has some great areas for some terrific photo opportunities too. They have a huge red shoe chair with rows of red shoes surrounded by mirrors.

    When you are done visiting Salvatore Ferragamo Museum you have go upstairs and walk around his store. I don’t think I’ve seen a larger collection of Ferragamo shoes anywhere. They have a huge selection of men and women’s items. It ranges from clothing to accessories and of course his famous shoes. The staff was delightful and friendly. They don’t push you into making a purchase.

    I found going to Salvatore Ferragamo Museum very captivating. I suggest going if you have an extra hour and want to see something a little different.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”219″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 3360 456

    Address: Via dei Tornabuoni 2, 50123 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Tuesday Closed

    Open Wednesday through Monday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Piazza Santa Croce Florence Italy

    Piazza Santa Croce Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Piazza Santa Croce

    Piazza Santa Croce is one of the oldest and most distinguished squares of Florence. It retains many of its historic buildings including the Church of Santa Croce. This church dominates Piazza Santa Croce. When standing in the piazza, just sit back and admire the beautiful façade of the Church of Santa Croce. This basilica is the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and other prominent Italians. If you are in the area, make sure you go inside the church.

    You can find the incredible statue of Dante here too. The most famous Italian poet and writer, Dante Alighieri was born in Florence.

    During the day Piazza Santa Croce is filled with tourists and locals admiring the basilica and enjoying the bustle of the square. There are kids playing soccer and locals walking their dogs. Also, there is no car traffic close by which makes the area that much more quiet and enjoyable. During the evening it becomes a meeting place for everybody and a center for nightlife. The restaurants and bars are full with happy patrons. People are sitting on benches and on the steps of the basilica eating gelato.

    Every year Piazza Santa Croce hosts Calcio Storico (also known as Calcio Fiorentino) in the third week of June. Calcio Storico is a traditional Italian ball game played in costume. They place stands around the playing field. Fill the field with sand on which the match takes place. They score by throwing the ball into a net. However the game is very physical, they pretty much allow everything. They can kick, tackle, head butt and punch the opposing team. It dates back to the 15th century. Over time many people have played this unique game, even Popes Clement VII, Leo XI and Urban VIII participated in this Italian ball game. I found this game to be so exciting and entertaining.

    Piazza Santa Croce is a lovely place with lots of shops around mostly selling souvenirs and leather goods, for which Florence is famous.

    I found Piazza Santa Croce to be a large square with a lot of open space. However it isn’t surrounded with the same amount of allure and entertaining things to see like the two famous squares in Florence, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo. I would also recommend visiting Church of Santa Croce so you can spend a bit of time in the square.  [/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”218″] [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Piazza della Repubblica Florence Italy

    Piazza della Repubblica Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Piazza della Repubblica Florence Italy

    Piazza della Repubblica is like the central hub of Florence. You always seem to walk through this Piazza on your way to another Florence gem. Piazza della Repubblica is a crossroad between Via Tornabuoni and Piazza della Signoria. It is a magnificent area, however it is also very congested with merchants.

    The best thing about the Piazza della Repubblica is the large arch that was designed by Vincenzo Micheli. There is also a large column in the center of the plaza it is called the Column of Abundance. It is said that the plaza was where the Roman forum used to be held.

    The merry-go-round adds a unique touch to the Piazza della Repubblica.

    There is a beautiful fountain, several entertaining street performers and several amazing sculptures in this plaza. I enjoyed looking at all of them. I especially loved the one of Perseus holding Medusa’s severed head. There are also delightful patio restaurants on both sides and the gate to shopping starts here.

    Yet, the reason I like Piazza della Repubblica so much was the way it comes alive in a wonderful way at night. I can stay here all day and just watch people from all over the world go by. During the day it has tourists and locals setting out to find bargains and people just passing through. In the evening you have the lighted carrousel, the buildings and the lights have their own magic.

    The historic Giubbe Rosse Café is located on the Piazza della Repubblica. Over the last century it became very popular meeting place for Florence’s artists, poets and other important locals. Even today it continues in that direction. It also houses a small art gallery. If you have the opportunity try to sit at the outside veranda and enjoy the best of Florence history passing in front of you. I had a lovely evening here. The food was delicious, the tiramisu and coffee were amazing.

    Cafe Paszkowski is also another famous eatery located nearby. The glass enclosed outdoor area provides a great shelter while you eat dinner and enjoy some excellent people watching.

    I recommend everyone to visit Piazza della Repubblica both during the day and at night. The city lights come on and the atmosphere of Florence embraces you and leaves you breathless.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”217″] [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Church of San Lorenzo Florence

    Church of San Lorenzo Florence

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Church of San Lorenzo

    Church of San Lorenzo may be the largest and oldest church in Florence. This basilica was the parish church of the powerful Medici family.

    The Medici family had the very best sculptors, architects and painters at their disposal to create some beautiful work. It boasts a fortune of illustrious bronze pulpits, amazing frescos and charming chapels.

    The unfinished exterior facade designed by Michelangelo is entirely misleading. It’s not the most ornate but stunning nonetheless. However the beauty inside both architecturally and artistically is absolutely breath taking. The interior is glorious with gray and white marble and gold-coffered ceilings.

    The most important architecture of that period, Filippo Brunelleschi was hired to redesign the Church of San Lorenzo.

    The divine presence will surround you with the exquisite works of their favorite artists, Donatello and Michelangelo. It will intrigue and amaze you. However the highlight of the church interior is the Old Sacristy by Brunelleschi, it is stunning. The Laurentian Library by Michelangelo is unique as is his designs for the Medici tombs. The New Sacristy is magnificent it’s based on Michelangelo’s designs and Medici Chapels.

    Church of San Lorenzo contains Michelangelo’s tombs of many prominent members of the Medici family. You will also find Donatello’s tomb here. The entrance is at the far side of the cloister garden.

    And Donatello’s last works are here. Two wonderful bronze pulpits with scenes from the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Donatello’s expressive stretch never fails to surprise me. There are a couple of major Mannerist paintings in the church as well. A huge impressive fresco by Bronzino can be found in here also.

    The incredibly detailed and opulent Cappella dei Principi containing marbles of every imaginable color and variety is not to be missed. It is a sharp contrast to the Medici tombs, both glamorous in their own different ways.

    The Medici Chapels are at the back of the church. It is considered a separate attraction and requires a separate admission fees.

    A must visit in Florence. Definitely get the audio tour (tablet) for only two euros. It is very informative and interesting.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”212″] [/tab]
    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 216634

    Address: Piazza San Lorenzo, 9, Florence, Italy

    Daily 7:00am to 6:30pm

    Tours of the Basilica: Monday through Friday 10:00am to 5pm

    Holidays 1:30pm to 5:pm[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Piazza Santo Spirito Florence Italy

    Piazza Santo Spirito Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Piazza Santo Spirito

    Piazza Santo Spirito is one of Florence’s true local piazzas. It’s one a place where the locals stop buy to get a newspaper or perhaps pick up some fruit and vegetables at the daily morning market.

    Piazza Santo Spirito is the home of the beautiful Church of Santo Spirito. The unusual facade of the Church of Santo Spirito is the overwhelming symbol of this artistic quarter of Florence. It was the last great masterpiece of architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Unfortunately he died before it was finished. The facade itself is still unfinished.

    Piazza Santo Spirito is one of my favorite piazzas in Florence. It is a lot quieter than the north side of the river, which is where most of Florence tourist attractions are located. It’s a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle. The Piazza Santo Spirito is a marvelous atmospheric square. It is perfect for a delicious meal or drinks at one of the local restaurants. I had a terrific dinner at Trattoria Casalinga, just off the piazza on Via dei Michelozzi. It serves up one of the best traditional meals in Florence. If you not looking to eat dinner it is also perfect place to sit on a park bench under the trees with a gelato or a coffee and people watch.

    During the morning there are daily markets in Piazza Santo Spirito. The evenings are full with locals sitting on the church steps or around the fountain. It was a wonderful experience and just what I was looking for.

    Piazza Santo Spirito also hosts concerts, events, and fairs that take place during the year. If you happen to be visiting Florence in September, keep an eye out for the Piazza della Passera Jazz Festival. You will have a terrific time and the festival is free of charge.

    I liked the streets leading into this area as well as Piazza Santo Spirito itself. It really had much more of a local square feel instead of the tourist heavy feel of the piazzas in the city center. It allowed me to get a glimpse of real local life and feel part of it.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”211″] [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Church of Santo Spirito Florence Italy

    Church of Santo Spirito Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Church of Santo Spirito

    Church of Santo Spirito is a must see when visiting Florence. It is situated on the beautiful little piazza Santo Spirito, in the Oltrarno section of Florence. Oltrarno is the neighborhood on the south side of the River Arno. There isn’t a lot of tourist traffic compared to San Lorenzo Church or the Duomo. However those who have visited this beautiful basilica know they have seen a true gem in Florence.

    Church of Santo Spirito was the last basilica designed by the most famous architect of the Renaissance, Filippo Brunelleschi. Except for its beautiful and graceful dome the outside it is completely unassuming with a simply unadorned façade. Unfortunately he died and his plans for the facade were never carried out.  I really enjoyed it. It has a feeling more personal and simple.

    The Church of Santo Spirito is surprisingly large once you enter its doors with thirty-eight side chapels. You could spend a good amount of time here, going through each of the individual chapels.

    There is also some amazing art, by Bernardo Rossellino, Verrocchio, Fillipino Lippi and others. The interior of Church of Santo Spirito is breathtaking as Brunelleschi took the architecture and design to a greater degree of perfection than he did with to San Lorenzo Church. The artwork inside is not to be missed either. The walls are decorated with famous oils. The most memorable for me was the Nerli Chapel. Fillipino Lippi’s most famous works, Madonna and Child with Saints is inside here. This was similar to his other works and that of his father on the subject of the Madonna and Child.

    Another wonderful site to see is the main crucifix. It is found in the Barbadori Chapel. It has a sculpted Christ created by Michaelangelo when he was just 17 years old. The wooden crucifix is simply stunning, so lifelike and seems to float from the ceiling. He donated it to the church, in thanks for enabling him to dissect human cadavers. There’s also a statue by Michelangelo of an entirely different character and feel.

    I thought the Church of Santo Spirito was a terrific visit, worthy of inclusion in sightseeing on this side of the Arno River. Afterward, you can relax on the piazza at one of the small neighborhood cafes and take in the charm and relaxed history all around you. You can also visit other famous attractions nearby like the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Collectively make a very enjoyable day in the Oltrarno area.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”216″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 210030

    Address: Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Florence, Italy

    No photos allowed.

    Cover up shoulders and knees. [/tab][end_tabset]

  • Museum of Palazzo Davanzati Florence

    Museum of Palazzo Davanzati Florence

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Museum of Palazzo Davanzati

    Museum of Palazzo Davanzati is a beautiful preserved palace that gives you a real flavor of a late 14th century home. This palace was originally built for the Davizzi family, a rich and powerful merchant family from the 14th Century. Later on the Museum of Palazzo Davanzati (also known as the Museum of the Old Florentine House) opened as a public museum in 1956.

    It really felt like I was stepping back in time and getting a glimpse into the elite life in the 14th and 15th centuries in Florence. Inside the building it still has the original fired brick flooring and wooden ceilings. There are some beautiful restored frescos on the walls. The decorative ceilings and furnishings and how life was lived in each of the rooms was exceptionally interesting.

    I found the rooms typical of a real home. A main living room, the dining room, the study room and bedrooms with fireplaces. In the kitchen there is not only the household equipment of their daily life, but also the work tools, like the loom and the spinning wheel. There are also fanciful drainpipes, toilets and unexpected openings in the floor to the outside. A pulley system linked to a well is still extant. It was cool to see how they got the fresh water and where they prepared the food. You can see where they took out the garbage and did the basic tasks we all do every day.

    The Nuptial room has 14th Century frescoes and has two shrines and a chest filled with linen from the period. The bedrooms, living areas and kitchen are filled with period pieces as well as detailed information on the wall murals. The one of Lady of Vergy was especially interesting. If you are into historical fiction, this is a must see.

    The display that I found fascinating was the room devoted to various types of lace. Each intricate sample was in terrific condition complete with all the looms, spindles and carders. They also had other instruments and implements used in the needle and the bobbin lace-making procedure throughout time. In the display cases were beautiful oil paintings of different family members shown wearing the actual lace collars and similar lace items. The tapestries in the main halls were also in terrific condition. Their colors were as bright as the day they had been woven.

    They have some wedding chests, also domestic and some ornamental pottery. Utensils and decorations, all of which tell the story of the typical time. In addition there are many sculptures four sixteenth-century stucco, plaster, clay or stone.

    If you like to see the way wealthy people once lived, Museum of Palazzo Davanzati is really the best place you can visit in Florence. It’s not a very big house so it should take about an hour to see. Museum of Palazzo Davanzati provides information cards in English in each room. The ground floor and first floor can be seen anytime. However, the upper floors can only be visited at 10:00 am, 11:00 am and 12:00 pm as part of a guided tour. You can leave your name with the staff to see the rooms upstairs. Anyone visiting Florence should visit Museum of Palazzo Davanzati.  It was fantastic. [/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”215″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: +39 055 238 8610

    Address: Via Porta Rossa, 13, 50123 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday through Sunday, 8:15 am 1:50 pm

    The museum is closed on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.[/tab][end_tabset]

  • Church of Orsanmichele Florence Italy

    Church of Orsanmichele Florence Italy

    [tab name=”Description”]

    Church of Orsanmichele

    Church of Orsanmichele is a ten-minute walk from most attractions in Florence. (Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Repubblica, and Piazza della Signoria)

    Church of Orsanmichele itself was once a grain market. However it burnt down in 1304. A painting by Bernando Daddi survived the fire. People saw that as a miracle so they kept coming to pray at the location. The Florentine’s decided to make it into a proper church.

    Some of the most magnificent Gothic sculpture is on the façade of the Church. The guilds of the city commissioned sculptures for the niches on the exterior of the building. They would be filled with stunning bronze and marble statues by some of the greatest names in Florentine sculpture: Donatello, Ghiberti, Nanni di Banco and Verrocchio. Today they are excellent replicas of the originals; they are very decorative and artistic. The originals having been removed one by one for restoration. They are now displayed on the first floor of the church, however access is restricted to Mondays. You might notice the sculpture by Donatello’s St George, which is on the most famous pieces is missing. It is now located in the Bargello Palace. I really liked seeing the sculptures of  Saint Stephen and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas was my favorite. He was created by Andrea del Verrocchio (Leonardo di Vinci’s master). Saint Thomas is delicately balanced with his foot held high outside of the niche while he has his hand on Christ’s side.

    Church of Orsanmichele is quite beautiful with its chapels. The main altar is a masterpiece and I found it emotionally overwhelming. I spoke to a friendly and informative monk inside this beautiful basilica. He told me where to see the spots where two very important people were buried. One was Amerigo Vespucci (he was one of the early explorers of the New World). You can see where his name is engraved in the marble on the floor. The other famous person buried in the church is Sandro Botticelli (he was a Florentine painter of the Early Renaissance). He is at the very end of the chapel on the floor on the right hand side where a marker with the name Mariano in the marble (Botticelli’s original last name).

    I saw an amazing crucifix beaming with bright colors. It was a blue-green crucifix and is terrific rendering of Jesus on the cross. The monk told me that it had been recently refurbished and was now accredited to Giotto. Wait until you see this, it is truly breathtaking.

    If you want to see the magnificent fresco of the Last Supper by Ghirlandaio, it is in a separate building next door and is only open Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 9 am until 12 pm.

    While I was here the chanting of the monks being heard throughout the church this was a visually and spiritually moving place to be.

    The atmosphere in Church of Orsanmichele is very peaceful and not as crowded. For some reason it isn’t a big tourist attraction, however I really think it is worth a visit.[/tab]

    [tab name=”Maps”] [map id=”214″] [/tab]

    [tab name=”Information”]

    Phone number: 055 284 944

    Address: Via dell’Arte della Lana, 50123 Florence, Italy

    Hours: Monday through Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

    Church of Orsanmichele doesn’t ask for an entry fee but it’s always nice to make a donation.

    No photos allowed inside and make sure you are covered up properly.[/tab][end_tabset]