Firenze (Florence)
Undoubtedly the gem of Tuscany, Florence was the beginning and end of our tour. We arrived two days early and visited the lovely ancient church of San Miniato al Monte, high above the town overlooking the river Arno (photo at top). On a Sunday morning, the piazza there was bursting with Mass-goers, tourists, wedding photographers and families enjoying the day.
Run by Dominican monks, who also make tinctures, lotions, soaps and balms from their herbal gardens,
the tiny gift shop was also very busy.
PRO TIP: THE DAY YOU LAND, TAKE THE HOP-ON, HOP-OFF BUS AROUND THE CITY. IT WILL GIVE YOU THE LAY OF THE LAND, AND PREPARE YOU FOR THE ADVENTURES OF THE NEXT DAY!
On the evening of our first day, Alfio took us to the Centro Storico (Historic District), where all roads seem to lead to the huge magnificent Duomo. He explained the history of the competition for the doors of the Baptistry across from it, and led us through the circuitous streets toward the Piazza Vecchio, where Michelangelo's David originally stood.
After a brief history lesson, we marched to a tiny restaurant for bruschetta (appetizers on toast), pate, olives, pork and chicken dinner. Yum!
Over the next two days, our Florentine guides took us through the Academia and Bargello museums; we wended our way through more tiny streets toward the Church of Santa Croce, visited a marble mosaic workshop, and a local market, where we sampled wine and local delicacies.
Some lunches and dinners were on our own, and there were always so many wonderful choices.....ending with a gelato, of course (pumpkin was my favorite!). Around the bustling Mercado Centrale you could always find men with white butcher's coats and hand trucks delivering whole pigs and chickens.
Did You Know.....
David, the Giant-Slayer, was thought to be between 10-15 years old. Which of the three Davids below do you think matches this description?
Left to right: Donatello, 1435; Verrocchio, 1475; Michelangelo, 1502
During World War ll, the statue of David was packed in straw and a brick shell was built around it to protect it from bomb fragment and damage.
The last day of our trip we returned to Florence and were able to visit the Museo San Marco.
The home monastery of the talented Fra Angelico ("among the angels") his frescoes in every monk's cell, encouraged them to meditate on the life of Christ.
