Firenze! - Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy
This morning we took a very early train from Buonconvento to Firenze (Florence). We only had one day and our day was dictated by the train schedule so we wanted to make the most of it.
We got on the early train and made it into Firenze by 10am. We stopped for a coffee and then joined a free walking tour. Our guide, Daniele, was great and made the city come to life. It was nice to start the day off with him, so that we had an idea of places we really wanted to go back to.
We met up with the tour at Santa Maria Novella church. Beautiful church with a very classic Renaissance facade. We made our way through the streets of Florence and our next stop was the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore also known as the Duomo. It literally took my breath away as we approached it! I knew instantly that I had to see the inside before we left for the day.
Our tour continued through some small streets where our guide pointed out the many medieval towers sprinkled throughout Florence. He explained what they meant and why so many of them were shortened. We continued our tour through Florence walking through Piazza della Signora with all its beautiful statues, and ending at Piazza Santa Croce, which also contained a very beautiful church.
We stopped for a delicious meal and of course a gelato. Our guide told us about Gelateria Vivoli during the tour...he said that they may have the best pistachio he has ever had. Music to Karen's ears and you better believe I made my parents go there after our filling lunch. It was pretty great and yes...the pistachio was excellent!
We spent the rest of the last couple of hours we had doing a little shopping and exploring the inside of the cathedral. Sadly, our day was dictated by the train schedule and the last train left Florence at 6pm.
Now that I've gotten a taste of Firenze, I am certain I want to go back. There were just too many things that I wanted to do and had no time for including get myself to the top of the dome at the Duomo. *sigh*
Despite the lack of time, we enjoyed the city and the art VERY much...I'll be back!