A late start and breakfast at the cafe downstairs to another day of exploring the artistic wonders of Florence!
Around every corner are treasures of Italian art...
Mythological creatures in bronze.
Art history is strewn all about the city center.
Perseus and Medusa
The Rape of the Sabines
Through a corridor lined with famous Florentines is the entrance to the Uffizi Museum, that houses Michelangelo's David among other pieces.
A look back at where we came from: The Uffizi Museum alley.Among the oldest bridges in Europe, Pont Vecchio (Old Bridge) has the nickname of The Golden Bridge because of its many jewelry stores.
Renovation in action at
The Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti).
Fine example of Italian design parked in front of the palace.
Interesting idea for
Fine example of Italian design parked in front of the palace.
Interesting idea for
Trompe L'oeil...
Our guidebooks lead us outside the well-preserved Roman Gate (Porta Romana) in the city wall to follow a winding, natural walk through the countryside edge of the city.
To gather our bearings, a rest stop for a beer and gelato to go- a most excellent delicacy! Then, onwards in our walking journey of Italian Spire trees and unbeatable photo opportunities.
An intriguing monastery...
We begin the steep climb to the pinnacle,
Byzantine faced building above.
Well manicured grave sites line both sides of the ascent to the building.
Just after we silently enter the dark and seemingly deserted monastery, a bell tolls. Taken by surprise we freeze as an elderly man in robes appears at the top of the stairs behind the altar. He claps three times and begins to descend the stairs. Unsure, we slowly turn and walk to the door outside. Through the door, we look behind to see the man with his right hand raised. As Jude returns the gesture with a wave...the monk makes the sign of the cross accompanied by a subtle smile!
As the sun lowers in the sky, we continue along the road named for Galileo to the next point of interest...
Contemplating a newly blessed stature.
The last goal for the day: Piazzale Michelangelo is perfectly framed in the dusk light. It features a copy of David overlooking the city.
Starved and tired from the eventful hike, we indulge in Firenze-themed cheeseburgers such as the Galileo and the Michelangelo as well as a large Moretti beer!
The sun, obscured by overcast, glistens on the River Arno- rewarding our day's achievements.
Winding back to the room, a stencil suggests varieties of love...
The guys venture out into the night for takeout pizza and more Moretti beers while I stay book lodging in Rome for the next night...
Our guidebooks lead us outside the well-preserved Roman Gate (Porta Romana) in the city wall to follow a winding, natural walk through the countryside edge of the city.
To gather our bearings, a rest stop for a beer and gelato to go- a most excellent delicacy! Then, onwards in our walking journey of Italian Spire trees and unbeatable photo opportunities.
An intriguing monastery...
We begin the steep climb to the pinnacle, Byzantine faced building above.
Well manicured grave sites line both sides of the ascent to the building.
Just after we silently enter the dark and seemingly deserted monastery, a bell tolls. Taken by surprise we freeze as an elderly man in robes appears at the top of the stairs behind the altar. He claps three times and begins to descend the stairs. Unsure, we slowly turn and walk to the door outside. Through the door, we look behind to see the man with his right hand raised. As Jude returns the gesture with a wave...the monk makes the sign of the cross accompanied by a subtle smile!
As the sun lowers in the sky, we continue along the road named for Galileo to the next point of interest...
Contemplating a newly blessed stature.
Starved and tired from the eventful hike, we indulge in Firenze-themed cheeseburgers such as the Galileo and the Michelangelo as well as a large Moretti beer!
The piazza overlooks the city's infamous beauty.
The sun, obscured by overcast, glistens on the River Arno- rewarding our day's achievements.
Winding back to the room, a stencil suggests varieties of love...
The guys venture out into the night for takeout pizza and more Moretti beers while I stay book lodging in Rome for the next night...
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