Our Trip to Italy -- Sculptures & Paintings in Florence

Couldn't come to Florence, and not see the Art, with a capital A!

We started the day in a long line, waiting to get into the Gallerie Accademia, to see Michelangelo's David.  That's pretty much the only reason to go to the Accademia, in my opinion . . .

Next, we visited the Palazzo Vecchio -- a fortress-like castle with a 300-ft. spire, dominating Florence's main square . . . 

The Grand Hall is a 13,000 square ft hall, lined with huge frescoes and interesting sculptures . . . 

More Palazzo Vecchio . . . 

The arch in the Piazza della Repubblica . . . 

We relaxed outside the Uffizi Gallery, in its amazing Courtyard . . .  

Inside the Uffizi, we were able to see the greatest collection of Italian paintings and sculpture anywhere!

Caravaggio . . . 

Michelangelo . . . 

Botticelli . . . 

Our only gripe was about the tour groups.  Waiting in line to get into these museums was not that bad.  But, once we were inside, the tour groups -- lots of them -- sort of monopolized the place.  The tour leader with her little flag would march up to a painting or sculpture, everyone in the group would gather round, and then they would stand there FOREVER, listening to the tour leader talk and talk . . . 

"You're killing me with these tour groups, already!"

After a siesta back in our room at the Hotel Dali, we walked to a nearby piazza for dinner, and were pleasantly serenaded by two musicians, playing classical music.  They were very good!

Our Trip to Italy - The Other Side of the Arno River in Florence

On our 2nd day in Florence, we visited some of the sights in the Oltrarno (other side of the Arno River).  We crossed the interesting Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge, lined with shops and lots of people . . .

From this side of the river, we stopped to watch a tournament being played in the water.  We never did find out the name of the sport -- a combination of kayaking and water polo.  

Outside the Pitti Palace . . . 

This lavish palace wowed us -- with its amazing ceilings and art collection!

Looking for ideas for redecorating my house . . . Haha!

Outside Pitti Palace, in Boboli Gardens . . . 

I thought this heron was a part of the sculpture in the fountain.  He didn't move for about 10 minutes.  Not until he finally opened his mouth did I realize he was real . . . 

We hiked up to the Piazzale Michelangelo -- this square has a superb view of Florence and the stunning dome of the Duomo.

the ancient walls of Firenze

The walk back down was enjoyable -- through the Oltrarno neighborhood.  We ate at a fabulous place - BORDINO'S - the best Tuscan Bean Soup I've ever had -- Ribollita.  

We took the long way back "home", in order to visit Santa Croce, one of Florence's biggest and oldest churches

We were surprised to find the tombs of very important Florentines housed right in the cathedral -- they were beautiful in themselves . . . 

Hundreds of people are buried in Santa Croce, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, and Machiavelli . . . 

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