Today (so far), we did Rick Steve’s self-guided Renaissance walk in the heart of Florence then explored south of the Arno River in Pitti Piazza, Giardino di Boboli (the palace gardens) and further up the hill, Giardino di Bardini.
The self-guided tour starts at the Duomo, Campanile and view of the dome. Here we learn about the north and east bronze doors of the Baptistery, the octangular-shaped building built in the 11th century and oldest surviving building in Florence. We walk down Via de’ Calzaiuoli, which besides being difficult to pronounce was a well traveled market place dating back to 1400. After passing through the Piazza della Repubblica, We circumnavigate the Orsanmichele Church which 14 niches house replica statues such as Donatello’s St Mark. Next, we enter Piazza della Signoria. This is where Michelangelo’s David stood until 1873. In fact, in 1527 David lost his left arm when a bench was thrown from the palace window during a riot (just goes to show you, people have always been assholes). Also in this piazza are other sculptures depicting heinous acts such a beheading and rape (what’s with all the violence, yo). Moving on, we pass the Uffizi and look at statues in the courtyard as we make our way toward the Arno river. The tour ends at Ponte Vecchio, the wooden bridge that is filled with jewelry stores.
Across the bridge we arrive in Pitti Piazza. Decide against going into the palace and set out exploring. We take a street up up up and find ourselves at Giardino di Bardini, which we enter also
touring through the palace gardens and back into Pitti Piazza. We pop into a super market to buy today’s lunch and dinner, then it’s time for seista (for Tom).
Next up, the Uffizi at 4pm. Then the Accademia early tour tomorrow followed by a side trip to Lucca and Pisa. Staying the night in San Gimignano.
Pictures from the gardens.
