Fabulous Florence
The first time we traveled to Italy with our friends, we enjoyed a wonderful day of wine tasting in Tuscany with a host named Veronica. We told her we were going to Florence next, only for the day, and asked her what she recommended. She said, (in her beautiful Italian accent) “Veronica recommends 10 days in Florence.” Turns out she was right, Florence deserved so much more than a day trip.
We were fortunate, 11 years later to have 3 days in Florence. I was lucky to find (8 months prior) a fantastic Airbnb to stay in. Now granted, it was up six flights of stairs but this was the rooftop view: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or, short for the Florence Cathedral.
On two seperate days we hiked up to the top of both the Duomo and the Bell Tower. That post can be found: HERE
It was unseasonably warm when we arrived. We headed for the Ponte Vecchio bridge and some lunch. What makes this bridge unique, other than it crosses the Arno river, is that is filled with expensive fine jewelry shops. Imagine, buying a Rolex on a bridge?
Another look at the Arno river that divides the city of Florence and the Ponte Santa Trinita (Saint Trinity Bridge). The Ponte Santa Trìnita is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world. It was originally constructed in the 16th century. Sadly the original bridge was destroyed during WWII in 1944. It was reconstructed in 1958, with some of the original stone dug up from the Arno river.
We stopped at Buca Dell’Orafo for lunch. It is at the base of the bridge and easy to miss. It’s well known with the locals, though. We started with our favorite staple, prosciutto and melon. It was so good. Then we all had different delicious pastas, and we were so hungry I forgot to take pictures. Highly recommend a stop here!
We wandered to the Relais Piazza Signoia in front of the Uffizi museum. There is a replica of Michelangelo’s David. The replica itself is over 100 years old and was placed outside this museum when the original David was moved to the Accademia in 1973. There is also another replica, and we will soon find that one also right in Florence.
We did not go into the Uffizi on this trip. I would highly recommend both the Uffizi and the Academia on a first trip to Florence. This city is known for its art, found in these museums. It is some of the best in the world.
Right outside the Uffizi sits the Loggiato, a semi enclosed structure that houses some statues of very famous Florentine artists. This includes the famous Medici lions at the entrance to this open museum of sorts. The lion on the right dates back to the 16th century and the other the 2nd century. They have been here since the mid 18th century, out in the open for all to see.
There is so much more to see, and this is just one Piazza, of so many in Florence!
Later that night, after a great dinner we wandered back through the Piazza. It was so pretty, all lit up at night. It was a warm evening where people were out and about with live music everywhere. So much life in this ancient town!
After we climbed our 6 flights of stairs back to our Airbnb, we climbed to our rooftop terrace where we were treated to this view of the Cathedral at night. It was a great way to end our first full day in Florence!
On another beautiful day in Florence just got out and walked on our own. We wandered to the Basilica Santa Maria Novella. The current basilica was built on the grounds of a church originally built in the 9th century. It was called “novella,” or new, when it was built as it stands today, in the 15th century.
The church sits in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. It is a long oddly shaped “plaza.” It’s one of the largest plazas in Florence, with the basilica at one end and a museum at the other.
We next headed for the Piazzale Michelangelo to see the “other” statue of David. We started by crossing the Arno river again. There are six bridges that cross the river in Florence, many allowing pedestrian traffic, so there are plenty of choices.
We started to hike up the hill toward the piazza and came across what seemed to be a very old fountain. The area is called, Poggi’s Ramps. The ramps take you up the hill to the piazza. On the way this fountain or grotto was babbling cool water, making the area feel cooler on this hot day.
A closer look at the grotto. This entire area was part of a massive project in the 19th century to remove the ancient walls that fortified the city. Florence was growing and the wall removal done to accommodate the population needs.
A shot from the top of the ramps that were part the a massive project. In addition to removing the walls, Giuseppe Poggi, created this plaza area with 360 views of Florence and the surrounding area.
In the center of the plaza is yet another replica statue of David. This statue is bronze. It was placed in this spot in 1873, hauled up by 9 pairs of oxen. There are many other statues and a restaurant at the top of this hill, making it a great stop in exploring Florence.
Piazzale Michelangelo is a very popular place to visit for the history and the art throughout the park. But, it’s these panoramic views of Florence that make this area very special. Sunset is especially breathtaking and worth the hike.
While in Florence I had to have two dishes: Carbonara (pasta) and a Florentine Steak. Fortunately, there was a terrific steak house on the ground floor of the same building as our Airbnb. It was called Trattoria Dall’Oste. We ordered one Bistecca alla Fiorentina to share for the table. It was a huge, bone in steak. It was served with a sizzling cast iron pan that you could take the pieces of meat and continue to cook. It was fabulous and lived up to the hype.
The carbonara was equally as good, made with a very fresh pasta. My mouth is watering just remembering the meal and looking at the pictures.
Florence is a fabulous, exciting city. It’s very walkable, smaller than Rome. Our wine host of many years ago was right, that we should spend 10 days in Florence. We were just happy to enjoy 3 days, exploring and eating our way through the city.
