730 days: Florence

Arrived into Florence Monday afternoon and had a short walk to the hostel, across one of the bridges with my first glimpse of the famous Ponte Vecchio. Once I had dumped my bags, first priority was food! Walked down to one of the squares and found some yummy spinach pastry and sat and in the Piazza San Spirito to enjoy some people watching. Then it was off to explore the city. Found the Palazzo Pitti just a few blocks down -a sprawling brick palace of the Medici family. Then down the busy street with pedestrians filling out onto the street towards the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence and the only one to survive the bombing in the war. All across it are jewellery and gold shops all side side, an expensive place to go gift shopping that's for sure! Across the bridge to the left was the Uffizi Gallery, wandered past it and the rather large que, and up to the Piazza della Signore. A large and impressive square which is home to another of the big palaces - the Vecchio, looking more like a castle than a palace. I continued on up through all the little old streets to the Piazza del Duomo. The first glimpse of this massive structure is quite amazing, and even caused me to give an audible 'ooo'. The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (or commonly known as the duomo) stands tall with its green, white and terracotta stones, ornate carvings and paintings adorn its exterior. Quite spectacular.

As it turns out Monday was also the first of May and known as 'white night' and there were celebrations across the city, with free concerts, and museum entry in the evenings up to midnight. Sweet! So after a break i ventured out to see the Uffizi for a unique free evening experience. The line wasn't too bad, waited about 45 minutes before getting in (this is good for European standards!). The gallery houses a number of famous paintings including the 'Birth of Venus' and my favourite 'Spring' both by Botichilli. Not being an expert myself it was a gorgeous museum, the main corridors were lined with statues. And at the end of the gallery a terrace takes you out into the night, where there was an amazing view across the piazza, with the palace and duomo dome shinning behind. Magical. On my way home, the streets where filled with people, stages set up with music pumping, it was as big as new year! And the party went well on into the morning as I could hear from my hostel, and consequently got little sleep that first night!

Day two was relaxed as the weather turned to rain, I jumped on a hop on hop off bus, for a tour of the city. Did a lap to get my bearings, then hopped off to see the Duomo cathedral. A little bit disappointing inside, it is quite bare, apart from some amazing stain glass windows and a beautifully painted dome. Then walked down to the Santa Croe church, another impressive structure, before getting the bus up the hill overlooking the city. Unfortunately just as it started raining, so not the best day for photos! While waiting for the next bus I went exploring up the hill in the torrential rain. And came across a beautiful church settled into the hill, with a tiered balcony and a gorgeous view over the city. Inside the church was beautiful, with a very interesting layout. The alter had two levels, with steps up to a second chapel and another underneath. I later found out it was called the San Miniato al monte and a favourite of Michelangelo's. Back on the bus again, we headed to the outskirts of Florence to a near by village called Fisole. Set up on the hill to the other side of Florence it was the resort retreat of the wealthy Florentines. After my bus tour I was well knacked so headed back to the hostel for a relaxing night.

The next day I was feeling a bit under the weather, so had a lazy lye in. Then went to the north end of the old town to the San Marco church. The cathedral was beautiful with massive portraits across the walls and paintings on the walls themselves. Next door was the old monastery which has since been turned into a museum. The entrance took you through into a lovely courtyard with a covered walk way held by pillars. In the alcoves of each arch were beautiful fresco painting's. The museum had some amazing old religious paintings going back to the 12 and 13th century. Upstairs in the monks old quarters, each cell had a painting depicting to some religious setting, and also a library with amazing old texts with elaborate corner letters. It was a very peaceful place and less well known so not crammed with tourists which made for a nice change. Afterwards I walked down to the central markets filled with fresh local produce. Had some pesto ravioli for lunch, then wandered back through town and stumbled across another impressive church - the Orsammichele. A very ornate church filled with paintings and gilded gold artwork. Then as it was such a nice day I thought i'd have a second go at getting some panorama views of the city. So this time walked my self up the winding path in the garden to the lookout. And was rewarded with a beautiful clear blue sky over the city. After taking some snaps, wandered my way down and enjoyed some gelato as I headed towards the Pitti Palace. I got a ticket to see the Boboli gardens which are attached to the rear of the palace. Through the massive palace courtyard, the gardens were set over very steep terrain and terrace after terrace up the hill gave another amazing view. Explored the gardens and then enjoyed soaking up some of the less hot afternoon sun. In the evening treated myself to dinner out at a local place in San Spirito. After all the carbohydrates I'd been having, enjoyed a yummy chicken salad and some interesting ricotta cheese and chocolate dessert.