FIRENZE 2018
This year, I chose Florence. I’d been dreaming about it for two years and now, it’s finally happening.
Departure from Brussels National on May 21st.
Due to a technical issue, we ended up taking off with more than a 30-minute delay.
We landed at Peretola Airport in the afternoon, under stormy skies but no matter, nine days of adventure lie ahead.
This trip had been in the works for nearly a year.
The rest of the day was spent settling in and scouting out a nice spot for dinner.
Nine days won’t be too much to explore and enjoy the wonders of Florence.
Basilica San Lorenzo-jour 2
Just a short walk from our hotel, this was our first visit.
From the outside, the basilica doesn’t hint at the treasures it holds within, including remarkable works by Filippo Lippi.
Biblioteca Medica Laurenziana-jour 2
Commissioned by Pope Clement VII de’ Medici to house the family’s precious manuscript collection, the Laurentian Library was designed by Michelangelo, who personally oversaw the project between 1523 and 1534.
A magnificent library housing numerous ancient works and remarkably well-preserved letters from famous women, among others.
A total of 16,382 items are kept here, including manuscripts, books, papyri, periodicals, and more some dating as far back as the 5th century.
The site also shelters, in its underground chambers, the tombs of Donatello and Cosimo de’ Medici.
Da Vinci Expérience-jour 2
Not part of the original plan, but during a walk we stumbled upon an interactive exhibition about Leonardo da Vinci and his work : his paintings, his studies on flight and anatomy, his inventions, and his famous quotes.
A great experience.
Il Grande Museo Del Duomo-jour 3
As its name suggests, this museum houses numerous works directly connected to the Duomo, such as the Baptistery’s Gates of Paradise and a reconstruction of the original façade featuring the original statues.
It also showcases Michelangelo’s second-to-last work, the Pietà.
Another highlight is Mary Magdalene, a wooden sculpture by Donatello that was originally displayed in the Baptistery.
After the Arno River floods in 1966, it was moved here for safekeeping.
Museo di Palazzo Vecchio-jour 3
Located on Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is a must-see when visiting Florence.
The Hall of the Five Hundred is undoubtedly the most impressive room in the palace, with Vasari’s gigantic frescoes.
As you explore, you’ll often find yourself looking up to catch the stunning ceiling paintings. Every room is richly decorated.
Also worth seeing is the Map Room, which reflects the geographical knowledge of the time, and Dante Alighieri’s death mask.
To wrap up your visit and reach the top of the palace tower, you’ll need to climb 180 steps ,but the reward is a perfect selfie with a breathtaking view of the city in the background.
Galleria dell'académia-jour 4
The Academy of Fine Arts was founded by Cosimo I in 1562 and opened to the public in 1784.
It features Tuscan paintings and sculptures from the 13th to the 16th century.
On the first floor, 50 musical instruments are on display, originating from the private collections of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, including the Medici and Lorraine families, gathered between the late 17th and early 19th centuries.
Palazzo Pitti-jour 5
Another must-see, the original building was constructed between 1457 and 1466 based on Brunelleschi’s designs for banker Luca Pitti. Cosimo I purchased the palace in 1569 at the request of his wife, Eleonora of Toledo, who, in fragile health, hoped to benefit from the cleaner air in this residence, which at the time stood outside the city.
Following the unification of Italy in 1860, it became the residence of Victor Emmanuel II until 1870. In 1919, he donated it to the State.
The painting collection spans around twenty rooms, and the decor alone is worth the visit. The wall and ceiling paintings are done in the illusionistic style (trompe-l'œil) that was popular in the 17th century.
Il Giardino Boboli-jour 5
A beautiful sunny day to explore this stunning and expansive park.
Construction began in 1550, and it was opened to the public in 1766.
The amphitheater, inaugurated in 1637, is adorned with an Egyptian obelisk and Roman statues.
Santa Croce-jour 6
The construction of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence began in 1294, based on designs by Arnolfo di Cambio.
It is the largest Franciscan church in the world.
Santa Croce serves as the Pantheon of Florence’s great figures in the Arts and Sciences.
The tradition of honoring the memory of the city's luminaries in the church was revived in 1564 by Cosimo de’ Medici for Michelangelo.
Santa Croce also houses the leather school.
Museo Galileo-jour 6
Founded in 1930 and renamed Galileo in 2010, this museum of the history of science showcases scientific objects and instruments, some dating back to the 13th century. The exhibits reflect the Florentines’ deep interest in research and the connections between science and art, spanning the fields of physics, natural sciences, and mathematics.
One section is dedicated to the renowned Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564–1642).
Casa di Dante-jour 7
We came across it by chance while walking around.
It’s not listed in tourist brochures.
Built in 1910 on the presumed site of his birth, it houses a small museum dedicated to his work:
The Divine Comedy.
Piazzale Michele Angelo-jour 7
To enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Florence, you have to head to Piazzale Michelangelo.
On foot, we made our way through the San Niccolò district and from the square, we climbed the Rampe del Poggi staircase. The ascent isn’t exactly easy.
We took a break at the Giardino delle Rose, where we admired a statue by Folon (the world isn’t that big after all). The garden is roughly halfway up.
Along the way, we passed remnants of the city’s ancient fortifications.
After a few more flights of stairs, we reached the square, where a bronze replica of David stands at its center, surrounded by four allegorical figures.
The reward is a breathtaking view of the city.
Museo San Marco-jour 8
The San Marco Museum is located on the square of the same name.
Beneath its arcades are frescoes by Guido di Pietro, better known as Fra Angelico.
The museum rooms overlooking the cloister house paintings from Florentine churches and palaces, including The Linen Weavers’ Madonna and the San Marco Altarpiece by Fra Angelico.
The library, built by Michelozzo and enriched by the Medici, was the first to be opened to the public.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi-jour 8
Commissioned by Cosimo the Elder and designed by Michelozzo, construction of the palace began in 1444.
It remained the Medici residence until Cosimo I moved to the Palazzo Pitti.
In 1659, it became the property of Marquis Gabriello Riccardi.
A rapid economic decline, caused by a lavish lifestyle and financial mismanagement, led the Riccardi family to hand the palace over to the state in 1814.
Galleria Degli Uffizi-jour 9
The building was commissioned by Cosimo I to house the offices of his administration. Francesco I de’ Medici later transformed the upper floor to host the Medici art collection. This collection was bequeathed by Anna Maria Luisa, daughter of the last Grand Duke, on the condition that it would never leave Florence.
In any case, it’s the most visited site by both tourists and Italians and it’s easy to see why, given the masterpieces on display. To visit, it’s best to book your ticket at least 24 hours in advance and pay an extra 3 euros to guarantee entry within 15 minutes. Otherwise, expect a minimum two-hour wait in line.
Among the works we admired, I couldn’t help but think, while gazing at Botticelli’s timeless Birth of Venus, that nothing more beautiful has been created since.
Our final major visit before heading home. It took us over three hours to see everything.
IN SHORT
Of course, we didn’t miss the famous Ponte Vecchio, the central market, and the many charming squares and typical alleyways. Sometimes the discoveries were truly unexpected.
Now it’s time to pack our bags and head home.
In the end, these nine days flew by far too quickly for my taste, but this trip will remain a wonderful memory for a long time.