Leaving bustling Rome behind, we continue our journey up north to the center of European arts: Florence. Unfortunately because we arrived on a Monday, that means all the major museums are closed so we’ll have to miss out in Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus for this time, but that means more time for everything else! 🙋
Trains cross country in Italy were extremely comfortable with mini-bins next to each seat and even free Wi-Fi!
As soon as we reach Florence we can already feel the difference from Rome. There were clearly more tourists, but didn’t see a single tour group, the streets were comfortable to walk in and was overall a cleaner and modern city, although still retaining the air of history and art.
Arriving at the heart of Florence, BAM! We were hit in the face by the gigantic Florence Cathedral (also called the “Duomo”, it’s dome and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
It’s so big I can’t even fit the whole cathedral in one photo!
With a stark contrast to the beautifully decorated exterior of the cathedral, the interior is quite austere and has a solemn air of what it’s supposed to be like inside a church.
Decorations of ancient tapestries.
Although the walls were austere, the floor was covered by patterns similar to the external walls.
The iconic painting of Florence: La commedia illumina Firenze (“The Comedy Illuminating Florence”) showing Dante and the Divine Comedy.
The ONE intricately decorated part of the cathedral’s interior, the beautifully painted fresco ceiling of the dome above the altarpiece.
Candy sold in cute li’l duomo boxes.
We soon reach Piazza della Signoria, where Vecchio Palace and copies of numerous famous statues are located.
A statue of a muscly man clubbing the sh*t out of a muscly centuar.
Whoo~~ There he is!! Michelangelo’s David (copy)!!! 👏👏👏
Fountain of Neptune.
Made our way into the Palazzo Vecchio (Vecchio Palace) which is now basically a museum about the Medici family. For €2, the people at the audio guide counter will help you download the audio guide app for your smartphone which is cheaper than actually paying for an audio guide.
Courtyard is free entry, but the rest is not.
Pillars of the courtyard are decorated with intricate carvings.
The only Medici member to become Pope, and he’s giving you a high five! ✋
Apparently the building was supposed to be austere but later people were just like “F*** that!” and made it all opulent.
Rooftops of Florence, and you can just make out the Basilica of the Holy Cross in white.
View of the great hall from 2nd floor, the humongous paintings on the wall depicts historical victories won by Florence over Pisa and Siena.
Dante’s death mask for any Dan Brown fans out there who have read Inferno. (I’m only halfway through the book 🙈)
An impressive maps room containing hand drawn maps of all the countries known (back then) and no, Australia doesn’t exist yet. 😟
Another statue of a handsome guy, I wonder if it is Antonius (favourite of Hadrian) again? Only he can sport those dashing curly locks of hair, haha.
Cute little shop selling interesting stationery and art.
Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze (Basilica of the Holy Cross Florence), burial site of many great people in history.
A typical basilica, they all start to look the same after a while… 😂
Equipped with a set of beautiful stained glass of course.
So… many dead people underneath, I don’t know where I can step, not all tombs have ropes preventing you from stepping on it. 🙈
Tomb of Galileo Galilei the astronomer.
Tomb of Michelangelo, a most colourful tomb.
Tomb of Dante for Inferno fans.
Gilded ceilings.
Large wall paintings.
Simple little courtyard.
Three statues looking really bored.
After leaving the church, we headed across the river to where we can get the best view in all of Florence: the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Milkshake at a gelato place!! Caramel flavour, mmm… 😋
Ponte Vecchio, a bridge across the river. Basically it’s a bridge that is crammed with nothing but shops selling gold, like Hong Kong.
The Fiume Arno river.
Outside the Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) parks a suspicion art van.
We were greeted by a leg-murdering flight of steps up. But you know you always have to walk upwards to get the best views.
Panorama of the whole of Florence.
Simply breathtaking.
Close up of li’l duomo.
Hey! They have a bronze David here!
The other side of Florence… probably the side where normal people live, lol.
This sandwich place recommended to me had the BEST SANDWICHES EVAR!!! So good we had nothing but sandwiches for lunch AND dinner in Florence. 😂
Around ½ of The World in 80 Days 