This is a city I could visit over and over again and still have things I want to return for! We spent a glorious 4 days re-visiting some favorite places and exploring some new things. In addition to just walking through the city at different times of the day, we also jumped on a ”golf cart” tour which took us into some less familiar spaces. Great way to meet a few new people, see a lot in a few short hours, and hear the perspectives and recommendations of a guide who is familiar with the city.
We returned to the Grand Hotel Cavour where we stayed last time, which has a great location just a few blocks from the cathedral AND a fabulous rooftop bar! What more could you ask for in an accommodation?
Drinks and a view!The view from our bedroom window. Sigh. Looking out on the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). This is the only bridge spared from destruction during WWII, and is noteworthy for the shops built along the bridge (now occupied by gold and jewelry artisans). A couple of views from the Piazzale Michelangelo. The impressive Duomo (Cathedral dome) is front and center in any view of Florence.The bridges across the Arno River. From this high up, you can see remnants of the original city wall.Bumped into this eccentric cab driver (blowing bubbles out the window) during our golf cart tour. Our golf cart driver told us she was a mother who had lost a child to illness, who now takes kids and families to doctor appointments. What a great story! Steak anyone? Florence is known for these large cuts of meat served fairly rare. Never been brave enough to try (mostly because it‘s just too big, but also I am afraid to be yelled at when I ask for it to be cooked a little more medium).
Exploring the Duomo (Cathedral), Giotto’s Campanile (Bell Tower) and Baptistery, as well as Museo.
Turning the corner to see this beautiful site took my breath away, again! Always impresses with the distinctive Carrara marble, green serpentine stone and red limestone siding and tile roof. The majestic doors.We, again, made a climb up the bell tower (Giotto’s Campanile)…me to the first viewing level (see first set of open windows), Gary all the way to the top! Gary’s view from the top. Guessing it was worth the climb, although he did say I would have gotten too dizzy.
A few shots from inside the cathedral…a bit less ornate than Siena on the inside, but still some lovely spaces.
A breathtaking dome. A beautiful sunlit nave..those stain glass windows were gorgeous.Interesting clock, never seen one quite like it! A lot to explore “underneath” the Cathedral. The foundation of the current cathedral dates back to 1296, but underneath that is the vestiges of an even older church, the Basilica of Santa Reparata. Prior to this was another church dating back to 393. Lots to see down here so make sure you take a trip down the stairs to walk amongst these ruins!
We also spent some time exploring the Baptistery of Saint John which is a beautiful structure, with it’s own glorious dome!
And quite a bit of time in the Museo, where you could get lost exploring the incredible array of art and artifacts from the many iterations of the Cathedral through the ages. I will only share a few snaps…far too many to choose from! This is a fabulous museum so don’t miss it.
Gary in front of one of the original Baptistery doors. I loved this statue of Mary Magdeline. John the Baptist’s finger anyone? The relics still kind of creep me out. The statues (original and replicas) are amazing. Every tile tells a story. Really overwhelming.
Look Who’s Buried in the Church of Santa Croce!
I had to step inside Santa Croce this visit as I had heard there were some pretty incredible people buried here.
Leonardo Da Vinci…Michaelangelo…And Machiavelli just to name a few. Wow.
Santa Croce is also a beautiful church in its own right. We still have a few more churches to explore in Florence, so I guess there will be a next time!
Cooking with Paola and Agnese
Paola is a “momma” or “nonna” who has found joy in opening her beautiful hilltop villa for people to come and experience homemade Italian cooking at it’s best. Agnese is her delightful daughter who helps (primarily with interpreting), who also happens to run tours in Florence (she would be amazing, I have her number if anyone is going to visit Florence!). The family (including two brothers) also grow olives and make and sell olive oil, which I will be ordering after their November-December harvest. So much fun spending a few hours with these two, and enjoying a really spectacular meal at the end. A delightful setting for our meal. Paola and Agnese first welcomed us with appetizers on the patio with a little Prosecco before getting started in the kitchen. Paola’s homemade pepper jelly was on the menu along with homemade focaccia and local meats and cheeses.Gary and I now know the secrets to making a perfect pasta, and we plan on putting this to practice. Paola gave us great guidance and feedback throughout the process and even showed us the perfect blend of farina to semula flours (which I will be ordering from Italy). We drank some lovely Vermentino Nero wine while cooking. Here I am digging into our freshly cooked tagliatelle with fresh tomato sauce. Add a little Toscano wine to wash it down, and life is good! We did not finish that bowl although we tried. This was followed by a perfectly cooked herbed pork loin on a bed of greens. And finished off with a beautiful flourless chocolate cake and cappuccino. A perfect meal and a typical “lunch” for this family! Yes, they also have dinner, which is typically a simpler meal.
A Vespa Ride through the Countryside
We both knew we wanted a repeat of a Vespa ride in the countryside surrounding Florence that we took last trip. This one was even better! A beautiful day, some lovely scenery, and a really fun group of people. There were a few mechanical difficulties along the way on a pretty long ride (we lost two Vespas that gave out and some singles had to pair up), but all was good!
Ready to go! What a spectacular day…clear skies and crisp weather. Some beautiful vistas along the way…A little wine tasting at our first winery as the sun was setting. Under the Tuscan sunset!Followed by a visit to another winery for an estate tour, including this ancient cellar.And finished off with some lovely aperitifs and more wine tasting amongst new friends. We found ourselves sitting next to another couple celebrating a 40 year anniversary who also were parents to twins; so fun to find commonality amongst strangers.
What?! No pictures of all the naked things you can buy when you are in Florence? (Like aprons with naked David etc.) Looks like an amazing time. Enjou!
Gary and Jillian's New Adventures 
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