It was a whirlwind week, full of adventures, soap opera shenanigans, extreme weather, flights from hell…but in the end, it was also paradise (especially once we arrived in Greece).
So, without further ado, let me take you on a tour through my big, fat, Mediterranean holiday…starting with the pearl of the Renaissance…
FLORENCE (Italy)
It’s as if time froze this city in the 16th century. The Medicis arrived and began a transformation of the city into a living work of art. Not one single street, bridge, church, and square is unworthy of attention, which is befitting of the home of men such as Michaelangelo and DaVinci. The atmosphere is lively and reverent, as if every resident and visitor is instinctively aware of the richness of the surrounding environment.
I fell in love with Florence the moment I stepped off the tour coach. I’ve added to my list of cities I could die in (after London and Cardiff), and I intend to return…one day…
(1) THE DUOMO
The main cathedral: a pristine work of Renaissance lego, using multi-coloured marble to create a structure that begs you to touch it and appreciate the exquisite texture that radiates from the walls. It also comes complete with the largest dome this side of St. Peter’s in Rome, and may be the only cathedral I’ve visited where the outside is actually more impressive (dare I say, sumptuous) than the inside…
(2) SHOTS FROM THE BELL TOWER
The Duomo’s free-standing bell tower allows visitors to climb to the top of its 428 steps and appreciate stunning 360 degree views of the city. It’s worth the arduous climb…
(3) PONTE VECCHIO
It’s more than a bridge - it’s a medieval marvel, another historical lego construction of shops and cobblestone that doesn’t seem like a bridge at all, but a floating marketplace. It was beautiful enough to catch Hitler’s attention, as it was the only bridge spanning the River Arno that the Nazi’s spared in World War II.
(4) THE UFFIZI GALLERY & VARIOUS LOCALES
The Uffizi, once a palace, is now one of the premiere art galleries in the world. Other photos include shots of the Piazza Della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, and various streets and squares.
(5) SANTA CROCE
Florence’s other historical church of note, made of similar marble, and full of its own marvels…including the tombs of Galileo, Michaelangelo, and Machiavelli.
COMING SOON…The Vatican
