Two Timeless Days in Florence

I'm leaving Florence tomorrow, so it's time I gave my fellow travelers a sightseeing update. To be in Florence is to be on sensory overload, however, so it is impossible for me to describe all the walking and viewing I've done. I'm sure you're relieved. I'll describe some of the highlights, and then let you peruse pictures if you're interested.

The Duomo, the Cathedral and the Baptistry are probably the most well known sights in Florence (oh, except Michelangelo's David). The intricate artistry and marble opulence of the Cathedral, in particular, are beyond description – I'll never forget my first heart-stopping glimpse of the moonlit Cathedral when I first arrived in Florence on a trip years ago. I've included a few of my own pictures in the link below, but they don't do it justice. They don't distinguish the detailed carving or the variations in colors of marble.

It's possible to climb to the top of the Duomo but I decided instead to climb the Camponile (matching marble bell tower) that reaches nearly as high. Like St. Peter's dome in the Vatican, the climb involves many stairs in a narrow passageway, but this one was a little less claustrophobic. Also, I was lucky enough to make this climb early in the morning before it got crowded. I've included several photos of the spectacular views from the top.

The Piazzale Michelangelo sits high on a hill on the south side of the Arno, and has even better views of Florence than from the Camponile. I've included several photos from here as well. I had been to the Piazzale before, but had never bothered to explore behind it as I did today. Behind it sits the churches of St. Salvatore and of St. Miniato al Monte. The latter has even grander views, a beautiful interior, and a fascinating cemetery. I wandered the cemetery and came across the grave of Ferdinado Tirinnanzi, poeta, who lived from 1871 to 1940. I've never heard of him, and sadly, still know nothing since his google results are in Italian.

I did two of my recorded Florence walking tours, and they did not disappoint. These took me by many tiny churches, medieval towers, and edicoles* that I would otherwise have passed by.

I toured the churches of Santa Croce, Santo Spirito and San Lorenzo, the basilica of San Miniato al Monte and the Bargello museum. I walked the grounds of Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio, the Mercato Nuovo (new market), the Mercato centrale (central market), and Piazzale Michelangelo. I saw Dante's house, Dante's church, and Michelangelo's childhood home. And I took a morning jog several miles alongside the Arno.

Today, I had lunch with Melinda Gallo, my brother's sister-in-law, who has lived and worked in Florence since 2004. We at at Mario, which was recommended by my hotelier. Visit Melinda's blog for a Florence insider's perspective!

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If you're wondering why I have not mentioned some of the other well known Florence sights (the Uffizzi, Palazzo Medici, Galleria Dell' Accademia where David is located), it's because I didn't visit them on this trip, having done so before.

I have worn myself out over the past week, so I am looking forward to some forced relaxation in Monterosso, in the lovely Cinque Terre region. I'm going there tomorrow by way of Pisa – I'm hoping to stop off and see the leaning tower. My next hotel is also supposed to have wi-fi, so if all systems are go – I'll catch up with you there!

Ciao! Click here for photos.

* an edicole (or aedicole) is a carving or mosaic or other piece of art set into the side of a building. They are put there in remembrance of somebody, or to atone for something one has done. I find them fascinating but until now, did not know how to spell it! I finally saw it written down in a guide book (the 'ae' spelling) so I was able to google to verify.