Uffizi and Santa Croce

Tomb of Galileo in Santa Croce

View across thr Arno River

Alter

in Santa Croce in the process of renovation.

A rainy day and a wee bit chilly.  You will be pleased to know I wore two singlets today, Mum! Walked through crowds of teenagers on school excursions to the Basilica Di Santa Croce. It's construction commenced in1294 as a Franciscan chapel and was not completed til 1385. The church is known for the many famous celebrities buried ther such as Dante, Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, etc.  Had a delicious lunch of spaghetti pomodori and Ribbolita in La Grotta Guelfa. Warm traditional Italian food surrounded by Italians.
Next stop Galleria Degli Uffizi which was designed and built by Vasari for the Medicis. Beautiful artworks at every turn. Michaelangelo, Botticelli, and many others displayed.

Great day!

Back to Scotland

Said goodbye to Anne this morning as she headed back to Scotland. So sad to see her go.

Caught the local bus to the Galleria Dell 'Accademia where David by Michaelangelo is housed. Just amazing! Then viewed the art housed in the Duomo museum including the Ghiberti bronze doors for the Baptistry; lunch and then the crypt under the Duomo. Staggered back to the apartment with very sore feet. Cheese and wine for dinner.

Pallazza Vecchio

Raining again today, sometimes just drizzle and sometimes quite heavy.  After a hearty breakfast of porridge and fruit Anne, Karen and I set off to catch the Red Hop on hop off bus to take us around the city to places we can't reach on foot such as Michaelangelo way to see  Florence from the hills behind the city.  As it is Anne's last full day we decided to choose one major gallery for her to see. We chose the Uffizi, the home of many famous paintings - CLOSED ON MONDAYS! Also tried the Accadamia where the original sculpture of David is on display - CLOSED ON MONDAYS! The lesson we learned is to check first in the guide books.
We walked into thr Piazza Signori and found that the Pallazza Vecchio was open so settled on it to spend the afternoon. A
magnficent building, a testament to the wealth and power of the Meddicis.Had pizza, came back to the apartment and crashed!

Sunday

Celebrating Anne's birthday at La Lambardi

frescoes inside the magnificent dome.

Sunday church bells

24hr clock

Inside the expansive Basillica

A little church is in the next lane from the apartment.  It has bells that chime on the hour - such a beautiful sound. Every laneway offers anothervpiece of history and divine architecture. The slight drizzle did not dampen the wonder of such beautiful buildings as the basillica of Santa Maria Del Fiore. It has the largest dome in the world.
Had a delicious lunch today at La Lambardi to celebrate Anne's (Karen's friend from Shornecliffe who now lives in Scotland) birthday. Topped off with flaming Creme Brulee and "Happy Birthday sung by 'Dustin Hoffman" the charming waiter.

A sunny Saturday

Although cool (0c) today is sunny and the sky is so blue. We walked to a market to buy fruit. Surrounded by locals waving their hands while they speak! Ciao Bella! You would have loved the flowers, Mum.

First day in Florence

Wide awake at 2:30 Italy time but middle of the morning Brisbane time. Uffizi Apartment is decorated in typical Floretine style by Rosa the ever helpful owner. It is very comfortable with everything we need. Great central location. After arriving in Florence around 10:30 we left our bags at the train station and walked this beautiful city til 3:30 when we had arranged to meet Rosa to let us in to the apartment. Too tired to go out again for dinner.