Slept in today! (Until 8:45!) Ate breakfast and set out to explore the wonders of Florence.
We started at the station because we needed to book some tickets, but the line was super long so we decided to wait. We walked to Duomo near the center of old town.
Duomo and all of its splendor is...astonishing!! Its so massive and there is simply so much to look at!! We walked around it and every sight was so gorgeous! The building is magnificent! We could have gone to the top of the dome, but we wanted to spend our money elsewhere today. I don't think you could fully appreciate each detail of Duomo if you had a lifetime. (Probably why we visited it other times throughout our walking tour!)
We then walked to the Academic Gallery. The line (as to be expected) was wrapped down one side of the building. I held a spot in line while Heather went to investigate pricing. She came back with two tickets for the next entry time! Score! So then we only waited about 10 minutes instead of 3 hours.
We viewed some beautiful art and sculptures, but nothing can compare to Michelangelo's Davis. Standing at 17 feet, he holds the attention of the main gallery. There are no words to describe such a masterpiece. Davis is the most detailed sculpture I have ever laid eyes on. Heather tried to snap a photo, but the gaurd caught us and yelled "No photo!!" (However the picture is of the lady's hand...but David is fully visible in the background)
We sat and enjoyed his many splendor. And of course, sneeking photos from every angle. Everytime you look at him you notice another minute detail that you hadn't seen before. It is truly awe-inspiring. We spent almost 2 hours at the museum with maybe an hour and fifteen minutes in front of David alone.
With rumbly tummies we left and found a small café that had handed out flyers while we were in line. We each had a pizza (yes, I know I eat pizza everyday! I'm a conissuer, what can I say!?) Heather had a mushroom and ham pizza and I tried the 4 meat pizza. It had ham, salami, hot dogs and bologna. And it was awesome!
With food in our stomachs we went back to Duomo and walked around a little bit. Then we visited Palazzo Vecchio and Galleria Degli Uffizi. There was a gorgeous fountain of Neptune and lots of sculptures. Of course, it is where David originally stood. Now there is a smaller replica (made of granite instead of marble) in his place. It was sad to overhear people talk about the statue and think it was the real one. He's probably 5 feet shorter than the real one!
We enjoyed gelato (as per the treaty) as we took in the sights of Florence. What an amazing city!! We wandered around in the old town a little more before heading back to the station to book the previously mentioned tickets.
After getting our trips booked for the next couple of days (which ended up being much cheaper than expected!) we adventured to Piazzale Michelangelo. Turns out it is a wonderful view of the city from on top of a hill! Not to mention the third David is there. This one is made of bronze. We spent a while taking pics of the city at night and listening to street performers play. I bought a gorgeous necklace and Heather bought a minature David. :) We split a Peroni then grabbed a bus back to town.
Ate some dinner at McDonald's, because we still have buy one get one coupons. (Its cheaper than eating anywhere else!!) Then went back to the hostel.
Florence is a wonderful city! Its my 2nd favorite Italian city that we have seen, after Venice. Even the bus rides have offered spectacular view. Florence should be a must for any Italy itenerary!!
Safe Travels,
- Kit & Heather
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