A walk in Florence felt like a walk back in time. You could feel the spirit of the Renaissance exuding from every inch of design and its people. From the uneven streets to the towering structures, this was a city like no other. In just a day, we combed the city’s piazzas and explored the architecture that brings Firenze to life.
The cathedral is the city’s centerpiece. An imposing structure that makes you feel like an ant on the sidewalk. From below, it appears that Il Duomo reaches to heaven.
After we walked through the Piazza del Duomo, we strolled along the streets towards Ponte Vecchio through Piazza del Signoria, laughing at the children splashing in the waters of the Fountain of Neptune then on to admire the statues, including a life-sized replica of David. It was a busy piazza with street performers, small women hocking wares and pigeons trying to sample your gelato.
The Uffizi Courtyard surrounded you with statues of famous Florence inhabitants including Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo. I felt like we were in the Haunted Mansion since no matter how far you walked away, you felt like the statues were watching…oh if these walks could talk!
I especially enjoyed the Basilica de Santa Croce, the world’s largest Franciscan Church. Our tour guide informed us that the statue of Dante just outside of its doors was placed as a direct snub to the Catholic Church. It is the burial place of famous Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. It was a completely surreal visit.
It’s hard to put into words the vibe of this city. It is such a warm, inviting and beautiful place. The heart of the Renaissance movement that inspired such talented poets and artists is still very much alive today. I can’t wait to return.
Side Trip to Pisa
Not too far from Florence is the city of Pisa.
Like every good tourist, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without the infamous photo of trying to hold the tower up. I loved watching the lawn swarmed with people coming up with all sorts of weird poses for their picture with the tower in the background. Some were hugging it, running from it, pretending to peek around it, then of course every imaginable way to hold it up – hands, feet, back, pyramid of girls and naturally, your head. It was hilarious!
- Looks like a green screen, doesn’t it?
I conceded to the surly ritual. You just can’t help yourself. It was peer pressure. Everybody WAS doing it 🙂
Karlynn Holbrook 