Travel Excursion:
Florence viewed
as jewel of Italy
Florence, Italy - photo by Patrice Raplee
By Patrice
Raplee
Last month, Travel Excursion brought you part one of a three-part expose
and travel tips for Italy. This month, join TE for an abbreviated tour
of Florence, or as it is pronounced and spelled in Italy, Firenze.
Florence is the jewel of Italy. The Famous Uffizi Gallery, where Botticelli's
masterpieces reside; the Galleria dell' Accademia that houses Michelangelo's
magnificent statue of David; the Duomo; Palazzo Pitti; the Ponti Vecchio
and dozens of other galleries and museums fill the city with the richest
treasures of the Italian renaissance.
October through May remain the optimal months to visit Florence. The
summer season is hot and the streets are extremely crowded with tourists,
not to mention hotel rates are higher, as is the merchandise of local
shop keepers.
Accommodations vary widely in price and in amenities, so make certain
to research hotels and inns thoroughly before booking a room. TE recommends
Rick Steve's travel book on Florence for in-depth lists and explanations
on hotels, restaurants, shopping, as well as a bevy of important travel
information and tips to optimize your vacation experience.
Museums in Florence are not always open on a regular schedule. Before
you embark on a cultural tour with a list in hand, check with your hotel
concierge for the current days and hours museum schedule.
The Uffizi Gallery retains the largest collection of Italian paintings
in Italy. Botticelli's Allegory of Spring, Birth of Venus, Adoration
of the Magi and Slander adorn the walls of the gallery room preceding
Leonardo Da Vinci's Annunciation and Adoration of the Magi. Several
gallery rooms are filled with medieval art such as Giotto, Cimabue and
Duccio. The hallways are filled with classical sculpture and smaller
portrait paintings line the upper walls all through the museum.
The Accademia houses Michelangelo's magnificent David. Almost everyone
has seen a smaller replica or representation of this incredible sculpture.
However, when you stand directly beneath the statue and see the original
masterpiece for the first time, it's an awe-inspiring experience! There
are also many fascinating Michelangelo unfinished figures that appear
forever trapped in stone that line both sides of the museum walls leading
to the famous David. This museum contains fewer works of art than the
Uffizi, but it is essential to visit for the true art enthusiast.
The predominant structure that defines the city's architectural landscape
is the Duomo. This 14th century marble cathedral, baptistery and campanile
(bell tower) is the heart of Florence. The Duomo is a beautiful and
interesting museum to tour, but if you plan on seeing the campanile;
it's a very long climb to the top.
There are many other museums, churches and gardens that fill Florence
and all are worth seeing, but make sure your list includes the Bargello,
the Santa Maria Novella, the Baptistery, Medici Chapels, the Boboli
Gardens and Pitti Palace. Of course, watching the sunset on the Ponte
Vecchio is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
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