Florence was our next stop through Italy.

We took the railroad from Venice to Florence. The ride was very comfortable and we bought the tickets 20 minutes before the train’s departure. The train tickets are very affordable in Italy versus other countries (Spain and France). I would say that they are about 60€ to 75€. Most of the train (rail, no metro in Florence) stops in Italy are in close proximity to the center city. I would recommend taking advantage of the trains in Italy (travel on the Italian line, not the Euro rail).

We stayed in a very central hotel (Hotel degli Orafi), but we had to change rooms because of the smell (cigarettes) and stains all over the room. After they changed both rooms in my party, the stay was pleasant. This is a four star hotel with fantastic feedback, but it fell short for us. The only highlight was the central location to all the major attractions of Florence. One amazing thing that the hotel did was set us up to eat in a private rowing club. The club was not much for decor, and it had a “secret” entrance (you will miss it if you do not know where it is), but it had the most amazing food that we had on this trip to Italy (counting Venice, Florence, and Rome). The club cooks served mostly locals (everyone except our group) and really only rowing club members. But the turkey, peas, and potatoes (not an elaborate presentation) were out of this world!

I stopped by the Chanel boutique a couple of times in Florence, but throughout Italy I found their staff to be the most unhelpful, and worst stocked. The store did not have anything in stock that I asked for. No wallet on a chain, no Boy (medium or WOC) only seasonal items and mostly made of fabric.

On the Ponte Vecchio you will find many jewelry stores, and it is really a wonderful souvenir to take home. A golden token from an Italian city.

We visited the main basilica; Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and it’s The Baptistery of St. John. The sheer size of the cathedral is overwhelming. The design, the height of the ceilings is the majesty of the cathedral. It is more beautiful on the outside with the different inlays of marble. On the inside, barely any grandeur that one see’s in Venice. The baptistery artistic gem in the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, they are bronze high relief door panels that are breathtaking. The baptistery itself has baptized many famous names such as Dante (of The Divine Comedy fame), many of the ruling family of Florence (the Medici), among the many other notables.

The Uffizi Galleries should not be missed in any visit to Florence. The museum is very big and has many, many famous works of art, including: Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” Raphael’s “Self Portrait,” Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Adoration of the Magi,” and many more. Small warning: because of the size and the rich collection of the museum, be prepared to walk a lot. If you have time please look at all of the statues surrounding the Piazzale degli Uffizi (it’s the area leading to the entrance of the museum.

Medici-Riccardi Palace is an interesting architectural building, because it uses at least 3 different styles in its façade. It is nice to see it from the outside, nothing spectacular to visit on the inside.

Galleria del’Accademia is where you will find the original “David” by Michelangelo, and many other artistic gems. There is a copy on the outside in the original designated location in Piazza della Signoria (which is right next to the Uffizi Galleries).

Basilica di San Lorenzo is where most of the Medici family is buried. It is worth a visit if it’s your first time there.

Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is were Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile and Rossini call their final home. It is interesting to see the monuments that stand in honor on the final resting place of some of the greatest artist and thinkers the world has ever seen. The Church is beautiful on the outside as well, mixing different styles into one harmony.

The Great Synagogue of Florence is worth a visit to get the feeling of life of the Jewish population before WWII and current. This is one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Italy. During WWII the Nazi’s did a great deal of damage, but now it stands beautiful and restored. The Synagogue has objects and history showing life before, and devastation of the holocaust after.

For a great view of Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo, it has an elevated view. The most magical time to visit is right before the sun starts to set, you will see Florence all basking in gold. The biggest highlight is to see Florence at night with all of the lights on and to get those fantastic pictures.

A not-to-be-missed museum in Florence is Pitti Palace. The grandeur of the rooms and the amazing ceilings are breathtaking. Please do not leave this for your last day as we did, we were short on time and could not visit the gardens or any other floor except the second.

Florence is magical. Once (or more if lucky) in a lifetime visit Florence and all of her gems.

Ciao till my next post.

Italy and Spain: Chapter 1 Venice

Italy and Spain: Chapter 3 Rome

Italy and Spain: Chapter 4 Barcelona

Italy and Spain: Chapter 5 Madrid

Italy and Spain: Chapter 6 Granada