Two Days in Florence Packed Itinerary

8/8/2019 Two Days in Florence Packed Itinerary

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My Two Days in Florence - Packed

Itinerary

Day 1, Tue Aug 11 2015

Hour Where Recommended Visit Time

1. 09:00 Galleria dell'Accademia 1 hour, 30 mins

2. 10:35 Florence Cathedral 1 hour

3. 11:35 Battistero 1 hour

4. 12:35 Campanile di Giotto 1 hour

5. 13:40 Piazza della Repubblica 45 mins

6. 14:25 Orsanmichele 1 hour

7. 15:25 Mercato Nuovo 1 hour

8. 16:25 Piazza della Signoria 30 mins



Transportation: Bus - 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 17, 25, 31,

32, 33, 67, 68, or 70

Other: Reserve tickets at tel. 055-294-883 or

www.firenzemusei.it

Web:

www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/accademia

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-6:50pm, last

admission 30 min. before close

Admission: 6.50€

Phone Number: 055-238-8609, 055-238-8612.

Reserve tickets at 055-294-883

Address: Via Bettino Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Florence,

Italy

09:00 Galleria dell'Accademia Rating: Museums

Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins

The Accademia di Belle Arti art school was opened in 1784

within the buildings of the Convent of San Niccolo di

Cafaggio and the Hospital of San Matteo. The Galleria

dell'Academia was established together with the school to

exhibit the creations from the adjacent school. Themuseum's collection was expanded with paintings from

various churches and eventually the museum became more

than just a showcase for the Accademia di Belle Arti.

The museum's most prized possession is Michelangelo's

which joined the collection in 1873 and now stands inDavid

the Tribune which was created by Emilio De Fabris

especially to house the sculpture. The museum collection

includes other pieces by Michelangelo like the sculptures of

and the which came from theSaint Matthew Four Slaves

Grotta del Buontalenti in the Boboli Gardens. On display are

also plaster models by Lorenzo Bartolini and 13 and 14th th

century gold ground panel paintings. Other highlights

include Botticelli's andMadonna and Child Madonna of the

.Sea

The entrance to the museum is through the Hall of the

Colossus where you can see Giambologna's plaster model

of . The walls of the hall areRape of the Sabine Women

lined with panel paintings by Perugino, Pontormo,

Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi and Bronzino. In the Hall of

Prisoners you can see Michelangelo's . On theFour Slaves

lower level of the museum is an exhibition of Florentine

Gothic paintings including an altar piece by Giotto. Within

the museum is a Museum of Instruments which holds an

extensive collection of 40 historic musical instruments from

the neighboring Luigi Cherubini Conservatory.




or 71

Web: www.operaduomo.firenze.it

Opening Hours: Church Mon-Wed and Fri

10:00am-5:00pm, Thu 10:00am-3:30pm, 1st Sat of

month 10:00am-3:30pm, other Sat

10:00am-4:45pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm. Free tours

every 40 min. daily, 10:30am-noon and 3-4:20pm.

Cupola Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:00pm, Sat

8:30am-5:40pm

Admission: to church free, Santa Reparata

excavations 3€, cupola 8€

Phone Number: 055-230-2885

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy

0.5 KM, 7 minutes by walking

10:35 Florence Cathedral Rating: Religious Sites

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Florence Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is

the Roman Catholic mother church of the city. It was namedfor the lily (fiore), the city's symbol. The church was

designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction commenced in

1296, over time a number of architects took on the project

including Francesco Talenti and Orcagna. In 1436 the

building was completed with the help of Filippo

Brunelleschi's engineering of the huge dome which is a

symbol of the city. The cathedral is part of a UNESCO

complex of buildings together with the Baptistery and

campanile on Piazza del Duomo.

The construction of the cathedral was inspired by grandcathedrals being built in other major Italian cities and was

founded on the site of a previous church, Santa Reparata.

You can see what remains of the original church in the crypt

of the Duomo.

The original façade was destroyed in 1587 and only in 1864

did Emilio De Fabis create the Gothic Revival replacement.

Large bronze doors by Augusto Passaglia were added

between 1899 and 1903. The building's exterior is covered

with marble panels of various shapes and sizes in shades of

green, white and pink. The dome has a unique octagonal

design and was built without a supporting wooden frame,

which was unheard of at the time. Horizontal tone and iron

chains were used to reinforce the dome which is the world's

largest masonry dome. To commemorate the great

undertaking of Brunelleschi a statue of the architect now sits

in the adjacent square looking up at his creation. Along with

Brunelleschi stands a statue of Cambio also admiring his

work.

Within the church there are impressive stained glass

windows, some by Ghiberti. The floor is a marvelous marble

mosaic paving created from 1526 to 1660. Other features in

the cavernous church include the 1443 clock by Paolo

Uccello and the stunning fresco by Giorgio Vasari which

covers the entire interior of the dome. The dome fresco

depicts the Last Judgment and was painted in 1579.




or 71


Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 12:15pm-7:00pm, Sun

and 1st Sat of month 8:30am-2:00pm

Admission: 4€


Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy


11:35 Battistero Rating: Religious Sites

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Baptistery of Saint John or the Baptistery di San

Giovanni is one of Florence' oldest and most importantreligious buildings, it is dedicated to the city's patron, John

the Baptist. The present building was constructed on the site

of a former 1 century Roman edifice. None of the originalst

Roman building remains but the present Baptistery dates

back to the 11 and 14 centuries. The building wasth th

consecrated in 1059 and in those days needed to be large

enough to accommodate the crowds that attended the

biannual baptism ceremony.

The Tuscan Romanesque style octagonal exterior is

covered in white and green Prato marble and has elegantarches between polygonal columns on the upper level and

semi-pilaster columns on the lower level. The exterior is

topped with a 12 century roof and lantern. The Baptisteryth

opens onto the Piazza di San Giovanni and the Piazza del

Duomo. Lorenzo Ghiberti created the north and east facing

doors and Andrea Pisano was responsible for the south

facing door (1330). The eastern door, the Gates of

Paradise, is the best known of the Baptistery doors, the

originals are now housed in the Museo dell'Opera del

Duomo but exact replicas now stand in their place. The door

has ten panels depicting scenes from the Bible. Above thedoor is a sculpture, The Baptism of Christ, which was

created by Andrea Sansovino.

The interior walls are covered with dazzling gold and from

the ground Sardinian granite columns rise up around the

periphery and are topped with gilded capitals. The floor has

a marble geometric pattern (1209); there is a rectangular

apse with mosaics dating back to 1225 created by

Franciscan Jacopo di Torrita and the ceiling is covered with

predominantly gold mosaics which cover the entire space

including the interior of the dome. Several tombs belongingto important people are kept in the Baptistery including that

of Antipope John XXIII designed by Donatello and

Michelozzo.




or 71


Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am-7:30pm

Admission: 6€


Address: Piazza Duomo, Florence, Italy


12:35 Campanile di Giotto Rating: Architecture

Visit Time: 1 hour

Campanile means "tower" and this Florence tower was built

as a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral on Piazza delDuomo and is part of a complex of buildings. The tower was

created by Giotto between 1334 and 1337 when he died

and Andrea Pisano took over the task until 1348. Francesco

Talenti completed the tower from 1350 to 1359.

The exterior is covered in a geometrical pattern of Carrara

green marble, white marble and red marble from Siena. It

features seven hexagonal marble tiles with sculptured reliefs

on each side of the bottom half of the tower. The tiles on the

side facing the cathedral were a later addition by Luca della

Robbia. On the second level of the tower there is anotherseries of tiles, this time in a diamond shape and with a blue

Majolica background by Andrea Pisano, Maso di Banco and

their assistants. The fourth level is adorned with life-size

sculptures by Donatello in niches on all sides of the tower.

The top three levels were completed by Talenti, and feature

large windows. The sculptures and relief tiles on the tower

today are replicas and the originals can be seen in the

Opera del Duomo Museum for Conservation.

The tower is 84.7 meters high and visitors can climb 414

steps to a terrace at the top of the tower to get brilliant views

across the city. The tower is divided into different levels and

on each level one of the tower's seven bells is housed.



Address: Piazza della Repubblica, Rome


13:40 Piazza della Repubblica Rating: Square

Visit Time: 45 mins

This quadrangular shaped piazza is in the historic center of

Florence. It is surrounded by pleasant restaurants and cafesand visitors can see street performers here. During theancient Roman era this was the meeting point of twoimportant routes, the Cardo and the Decumano. Even thenthe square was a hub of activity and the site of the forum.During the Renaissance the square functioned as animportant commercial hub with market stalls occupying the

space (Mercato Vecchio). During the 16 century Cosimo Ith

required all Jews to live in this area which became theJewish ghetto. The square was the site of 2 synagoguesand numerous Jewish homes.

In 1865 much of the original architecture and town planning

was lost when an attempt was made to "redefine" the city asthe new capital of United Italy. Despite the capital beingmoved to Rome in 1871 the plans went ahead and oldbuildings were knocked down to make room for the new.The citizens protested and fought for the preservation fortheir historic city but the market and ghetto had alreadybeen removed, thus making room for the new Piazza dellaRepubblica.

The square is graced with the Colonna dell'Abbondanza, atall column topped with a statue symbolizing abundance.The square's most significant piece of architecture is thetriumphant arch of Arcone (1895) which was created in thewake of the redevelopment plans. The arch bears theinscription: " the old city was put out of its misery and

"brought back to life.



Closed: Closed Mon

Transportation: Bus - A

Opening Hours: Church open erratic hours

(though never open during riposo). Museum daily

9-9:45am, 10-10:45am, and 11-11:45am (plus

Sat-Sun 1-1:45pm)

Admission: Free


Address: Via dell'Arte della Lana, 50123 Florence


14:25 Orsanmichele Rating: Religious Sites

Visit Time: 1 hour

The name of this church translates as the "kitchen garden of

St. Michael" as it was built where St. Michael convent'skitchen garden was once grown. The church remains but

the convent has not survived. The building served both a

civil and a religious function over the years and was

originally constructed in 1337 as office space and to store

the city's grain. The ground floor loggia is what remains of

the original structure. By 1404 the building had been turned

into a church which was used by members of the Florence

craft and trade guilds.

Later in the 14 century the municipality asked the guidesth

to improve the appearance of the façade and so each guildwas required to commission an artist to make a statue that

would be displayed in 14 niches on the building's façade.

The competitive nature of the guilds caused them to try and

outdo each other, making their statue the most expensive,

most beautiful or commissioning the greatest artists in the

city. Thanks to this the bronze and stone statuary of the

building is outstanding. Artists who contributed to the façade

figures include Simone di Ferrucci who made the Virgin and

; Donatello who created the figure of andChild St. Mark St.

; Nanni di Banco; Andrea del Verrocchio; LorenzoGeorge

Ghiberti; Baccio da Montelupo and Giambologna who madethe statue of . The statues were made over theSt. Luke

course of 262 years between 1340 and 1602 so you can

really see the progression from Gothic to Renaissance

styles.

Today the originals can be seen in the museum on the top

floor of the church which is only open on Mondays.

Donatello's statues from the façade are now on show in the

Basilica di Santa Croce. However the façade has not been

left void of statues and replicas of the statues now fill the 14

niches.



Phone Number: +39 055 290832

Address: Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, 50123

Florence, Italy


15:25 Mercato Nuovo Rating: Shopping

Visit Time: 1 hour

The Mercato Nuovo or Straw Market is located in the

historic center of Florence; it is a covered market which hasbeen open for business as far back as the 11 century. Theth

market gets its name from one of the traditional products

sold in the market, straw. The "new" market place replaced

the old market, Mercato Vecchio where vendors would set

up their stalls and sell a wide range of products as they still

do today.

The market stalls are protected by a loggia (a corridor which

is open on one side) with high arched openings leading onto

a rectangular hall. The we see todayloggia del Porcellino

was constructed in the 1551. In each corner of the loggiaare two niches which were meant to be filled with statues

but only 3 were made at the time. The statues are of famous

residents of Florence: banker Michele di Lando, printer

Giovanni Villani and wool carder and later revolutionary,

Bernardo Cennini.

The most famous attraction in the market is the Fontana del

which features a bronze statue of a wild boar.Porcellino

The piece is a replica of the original which stands in Palazzo

Pitti and was created by Pietro Tacca. There is a tradition

that if you rub the beast's nose you will have good luck.Visitors come to rub the pig's shinny snout and then put a

coin in his mouth, if the coin rolls all the way through the

grate where the water flows then your wish will be granted.

The statue has gained the market another name Mercato

or the piglet market.del Porcellino

On the ground beneath the covered area of the Loggia is a

circular shape, like a wheel with six spokes. The pattern

represents one of the wheels on a Carroccio (a portable

altar used by the Florentine Republic in medieval battles) as

this was the spot where the Carroccio would have been

placed, troops would gather in prayer and the republic's flag

hoisted. Later during the Renaissance the spot was used to

shame those in debt by chaining them to a post in this public

area and beating their naked buttocks with a chain three

times. Each time the insolvent merchant would have to fall

down on the ground on his naked backside. The symbol is

created with two colors of marble. This odd design is called

the or the "stone of the shame."pietra dello scandalo




16:25 Piazza della Signoria Rating: Square



Adderss: Piazza della Signoria, Rome

Visit Time: 30 mins

This is one of Florence's most popular squares, the historic

L-shaped square got its name from the Palazzo Vecchi

which is also called the Palazzo della Signoria and is just

one of the important buildings lining the square.

Throughout history the square has been a hub of political

activity because of the buildings which surround the squareand the role they played in civil service. The Palazzo Vecchi

was the seat of United Italy's government and today houses

the Town Hall, mayor's office and town council. The Uffizi

Gallery which now houses a prestigious museum once was

used for administrative offices, the Tribunal and the state

archive. The Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia (1359)

now houses the Bureau of Agriculture and once was used

as a venue for merchant trials. The Palace of the

Assicurazioni Generali (1871) was specifically built for

commercial purposes to house the General Insurance

Company. The Loggia della Signoria (also called the Loggiadei Lanzi) is a corner building with high open archways that

was used for public assemblies and ceremonies. Today it is

used as an open-air gallery of Renaissance art and

antiquities including the statues of by FancelliMedici Lions

and Vacca. The Palazzo Uguccioni (1550) has a façade

which has been attributed to various well known

Renaissance artists including Raphael and Michelangelo.

Other palaces on the square are the Palazzo dei Mercatanti

and the Palazzo dei Buonaguisi.

At the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio stands a copy ofMichelangelo's in the same spot where the genuineDavid

statue stood for 69 years after its completion in 1504. Next

to is Baccio Bandinelli's sculpture ofDavid Hercules and

. There is a bronze equestrian statue of andCacus Cosimo I

by Giambologna; a copy ofThe Rape of the Sabine Women

Donatello's and Cellini'sJudith and Holofernes Perseus with

. The Fountain of Neptune (1565) is athe Head of Medusa

fountain in the square designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati.

It was in the Piazza della Signoria that in 1497 the

Dominican priest Savonarola instigated the Bonefire of theVanities, a protest where a pile of gaming tables, books,

dresses, cosmetics, art, poems and other sinful items were

burnt. Unfortunately he was also burnt at the stake in the

square in 1498.

Visitors to the square can dine in cafes and restaurants

including the well known Café Rivoire on the ground floor of

the Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali.



Day 2, Wed Aug 12 2015

Hour Where Recommended Visit Time

1. 09:00 Palazzo Vecchio 1 hour

2. 10:00 Loggia dei Lanzi 30 mins

3. 10:30 Gallerie degli Uffizi 1 hour, 30 mins4. 12:05 Ponte Vecchio 30 mins

5. 12:45 Santa Maria della Carmine 45 mins

6. 13:40 Palazzo Pitti 45 mins

7. 14:30 Giardino Boboli 45 mins

8. 15:40 Piazzale Michelangiolo 1 hour

9. 16:45 San Miniato al Monte 45 mins



Transportation: Bus - A, B, 23, or 71

Opening Hours: Fri-Wed 9:00am-7:00pm, Thu

9:00am-2:00pm

Admission: 6€


Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence

09:00 Palazzo Vecchio Rating: Palaces

Visit Time: 1 hour

With the rising success of the guilds of Florence, in 1293 the

Priors and people of the city decided to commission the

construction of a grand building which would be an

impressive seat of the Signoria. The building was initially

called the Palazzo dei Priori then the Palazzo della Signoria,Palazzo del Popolo and the Palazzo Ducale. Arnolfo

Cambio was responsible for the core of the building which

was erected between 1299 and 1304.

The Romanesque fort-like palace has an open gallery at the

top of the building and the thin Arnolfo tower which rises 94

meters. The belfry design mirrors the gallery of the palace.

The palace is built of rusticated stonework and has two rows

of Gothic windows, bas-reliefs and the coats of arms of the

Florentine Republic painted on the building. Subsequently

the palace was expanded and renovated first by Vasari in

the 16 century and later by Buontalenti in the 17th th

century. The palace served as the seat of the local

authorities before being taken over by the Medici family.

Later the building returned to being office space for the

government rulers, Chamber of Deputies and then the

Foreign Ministry. Today the former palace operates as the

Florence Town Hall.

Above the main entrance is a marble decoration in bright

blue guarded on both sides by lions. In front of the building

stands a replica of Michelangelo's together withDavid

Bandinelli's . The building has threeHercules and Cacus

grand courtyards with exquisite frescoes. A stunning fresco

covered hall, Salone dei Cinquecento, built by Simone del

Pollaiolo with statues by Bandinelli and the center piece is

Michelangelo's . If you follow theThe Genius of Victory

staircase designed by Vasari up to the 2 floor you'll findnd

the Chapel of Signoria; the Hall of Justice; the Room of the

Lilies decorated with gold lilies; Study Room and the

Apartments of the Elements. Among the many

masterpieces, frescoes and brilliant architecture is Angolo

Bronzino's painting Ritratto di Laura Battiferri.



Phone Number: +39 055 23885

Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Florence,

Italy


10:00 Loggia dei Lanzi Rating: Architecture

Visit Time: 30 mins

Loggia dei Lanzi is more commonly known as Loggia della

Signoria as it is on the corner of Piazza della Signoria. Thedefinition of a loggia is a roofed or vaulted structure open on

one side and free-standing or attached to the side of a

building like a kind of covered corridor open on one side.

The Loggia dei Lanzi has three high, grand arches

supported by a cluster of pilasters (false columns) which

form a column; each is topped with a Corinthian capital. This

loggia was the prototype for many architectural structures to

come. Michelangelo liked it so much that he suggested that

the pattern be repeated around the entire square. The

loggia was intended as a public meeting place but today

functions as an open-air museum.

The loggia was completed in 1382 and designed by Simone

di Francesco Talenti and Benci di Cione Dame. The style is

Gothic and the structure was named after Cosimo I

de'Medici, Duke of Florence's personal guards who were

known as Lanzi, these guards used to be stationed at the

Loggia.

Statues were first displayed in the loggia following the down

fall of the Medici family in 1494 after 150 years of rule. Art

work was brought from the palatial homes of the Medici to

be put on public display. Within the loggia are several

precious works of art. Here you can see Donatello's Judith

; Cellini's bronzeand Holofernes Perseus beheading

; the andMedusa Abduction of the Sabine Virgins Hercules

by Giambologna;Slaying the Centaur Nessus Menelaus

Supporting the Body of Patroclus; The Abduction of

and the , a series of female figures.Polyxena Sabines

There are two lions guarding the entrance to the Loggia,

one dates back to ancient Roman civilization and the other

was created in 1598 by Vacchi.


10:30 Gallerie degli Uffizi Rating: Museums

Visit Time: 1 hour, 30 mins



Transportation: Bus - A, B, 23, or 71

Other: www.firenzemusei.it (to reserve tickets)

Web: www.uffizi.firenze.it

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-7:00pm. Ticket

window closes 45 min. before museum

Admission: 6.50€

Phone Number: 055-238-8651, 055-294-883 to

reserve tickets

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence,

Italy

At this world famous art gallery you can see works by some

of the top names in art history. The museum is one of the

oldest in the world and has attracted visitors from around

the world since it was officially opened to the public in 1765.

As far back as the "Grand Tour" era wealthy upper class

Europeans would tour Europe visiting the best that the

continent had to offer in terms of culture and art. The

majority of the Uffizi collection is from the period between

the 12 and 17 century although there are works outsideth th

of this period. Records show that even da Vinci and

Michelangelo visited the Uffizi to see the precious art

collection.

Although the museum possesses about 3,100 works of art

there are usually about 1,700 on display at any given time.

Among the famous artists whose work is on display here are

Giotto Masaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Veronese,

Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Titian,

Caravaggio, Paolo Uccello and Caravaggio. The museum is

so vast that it can take at least 3 hours to see, but there are

some must-see works not to miss. See Gentile da

Fabriano's byAdoration of the Magi; Battle of San Romano

Uccello; by Masolino;Madonna and Child with Saint Anne

Filippo Lippi's ; the worksMadonna and Child with Angels

by Botticelli on display in the Botticelli Room; da Vinci's

; Michelangelo's ; works byAnnunciation Doni Tondo

Raphael; Titian's ; Parmigiani'sVenus of Urbino Madonna of

and the list of excellent art goes on…the Long Neck

One of the most famous rooms in the museum is the

octagonal shaped Tribuna of the Uffizi, designed by

Bernardo Buintaleti. Here the most precious pieces in the

Medici collection are put on display.

In 1560 Cosimo I commissioned Giorgio Vasari to construct

the building that now houses the museum as offices for the

Florentine magistrates. Alfonso Parigi and Bernardo

Buontalenti took over the task of creating the offices which

were completed in 1581. Later Cosimo I was also

responsible for starting the museum collection as he strived

to assemble a collection that represented the best of

Tuscany art. The building has a long, narrow centralcourtyard which looks onto the Arno River at one end

through a Doric screen. The or inner courtyard iscortile

lined by identical facades with niches and columns along the

length of the courtyard. In the niches are sculptures by

famous artists.

Plan ahead as this is one of the top attractions in the

country and the lines to get in are as famous as the

masterpieces inside!



Transportation: Bus - B or D

Address: Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy


12:05 Ponte Vecchio Rating: Bridge

Visit Time: 30 mins

The Old Bridge is one of the most striking of Florence's six

bridges; it is thought to date back as far as the Romans whoconstructed stone pillars and wooden planks on this spot

where the Via Cassia crossed the river. Until 1218 it was the

only bridge that crossed the Arno River. The Roman

construction collapsed from flood damage in 1117 and again

in 1333, 12 years later it was rebuilt. The bridge has three

graceful arches supporting the covered crossing which was

topped with stores and houses under the porticos.

The bridge was built again in 1565 during the reign of the

Medici family when they wanted a route which would

connect them directly between Uffizi and the Palazzo Pittion the other side of the River, without even stepping foot

outside. The covered "corridor" across the bridge was

constructed on top of the bridge stores. It made their

crossing as easy as going from one room in a house to

another. This saved time crossing the river, protected them

from the weather and meant that they wouldn't have to

encounter any pesky commoners. Corridoio Vasariano,

designed by Vasari, was literally a corridor which ran above

goldsmith's stores crossing the river. Traders had set up

shop along the covered bridge as far back as the 13 th

century. Today on the bridge you can see a bust of one of

the 16 century goldsmiths, Benvenuto Cellini. In theth

middle of the bridge there is a break in the line of stores and

there are two observation terraces overlooking the river.

The bridge survived World War II when the German's

destroyed all of the city's bridges except this one. There is a

modern tradition for lovers to lock a padlock onto the bridge

and throw the key into the water, to symbolize their eternal

love. This tradition is called "love locks" and is practiced in

several countries on famous bridges.



Transportation: Bus - D, 6, 11, 36, 37, or 68

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-5:00pm, Sun

1-5:00pm

Admission: Free to church, Brancacci chapel 4€,

cumulative ticket with Palazzo Vecchio available


Address: Piazza del Carmine, 50124 Florence


12:45 Santa Maria della Carmine Rating: Religious Sites

Visit Time: 45 mins

This church is best known for the Brancaccio Chapel where

there are magnificent frescoes painted by Masaccio andMasolino da Panicale and later completed by Filippino Lippi.

The church was constructed in 1268 however little of the

first structure remains. The church was extended in 1328

and in 1464 the Capitular Hall and the dining room were

added. Then in the 16 and 17 century Santa Mari delth th

Carmine was once again renovated this time the style of the

Romanesque structure became Baroque and the interior

was rebuilt in the Rococo style (1782). The Sacristy

survived a major fire in 1771 and the original work by Lippo

d'Andrea and Benedetto da Rovezzano remains.

Pietro Brancacci commissioned Brunelleschi to design the

chapel which is accessed from the adjacent convent. The

Brancacci Chapel also survived the fire of 1771 and so the

first work by Masaccio remains. Masolini was given the task

of decorating the chapel with frescoes, but half way through

his work he left for Hungary to serve as the King's painter,

and Masaccio, the painter's assistant, took over the job. He

excelled at the task but unfortunately he too was unable to

complete the frescoes as he died at the age of 27. Lippo

later completed the paintings. The painting cycle was very

influential on the Renaissance artists and specifically onMichelangelo.

The Corsini Chapel (1675) was designed by Pier Francesco

Silvani and contains a dome with frescoes by Luca

Giordano and a Rococo ceiling by Domenico Ferretti. The

convent survived through several natural disasters but still

holds valuable works like the by AlessandroLast Supper

Allori.



Transportation: Bus - D, 11, 36, 37, or 68

Web: www.firenzemusei.it

Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:15am-5:50pm, last

admission 45 min. before close

Admission: With Galleria d'Arte Moderna - 8.50€

adults, 18 and under free. Cumulative tickets for

the Galleria Palatina, Museo degli Argenti, Galleria

d'Arte Moderna, and Giardino Boboli 12€ adults

Phone Number: Galleria Palatina 055-238-8614,

Reserve tickets 055-294-883

Address: Palazzo Pitti, 1, Florence, Italy


13:40 Palazzo Pitti Rating: Palaces

Visit Time: 45 mins

This palace was home to the rulers of Florence up until

1919 when the property became part of the state. Thepalace is situated in Oltrarno which lies across the River

Arno from the rest of the historic center. Luca Pitti wanted to

build a luxurious and opulent palace which would rival the

Medici family's stately homes. Filippo Brunelleschi was

commissioned to design the palace and on his death , 12

years before the project's completion, Luca Fancelli took

over the task. The palace was completed in 1465. The

Medici's came into possession of the palace in 1549 when

Pitti had no choice but to sell the property due to his

financial difficulties. The Medici family had a corridor

constructed connecting the Uffizi with the Palazzo Vecchioso that they could cross the river easily without going

outside. Ammanati was employed to expand the palace

further and he spent 12 years, up until 1570, working on

features like the beautiful inner courtyard.

Highlights of the palace architecture include the Artichoke

Fountain by Giovanni Francesco Susini. It was under the

Medici family that the palace gardens, the Boboli Garden

were planted. Following the Medici family came the House

of Lorraine in 1737, the palace was expanded again and the

interiors were renovated. Other owners included the Savoy,Bourbons, Napoleon and finally Vittorio Emanuele III. It was

Emmanuele III who opened the palace to the general public.

The vast palace holds several museums and visitors can

also see the royal apartments. The museums include the

Galleria Palatina with Renaissance and Baroque paintings;

the Galleria del Costume; the Museo delle Carozze (a

collection of royal carriages) and the Galleria d'Arte

Moderne. There is also a Porcelain Museum and Silver

Museum. One of the prize pieces is Raffaello's Madonna on

and which can be seen in thethe Chair The Veiled Lady Palatine Gallery together with works by Tiziano, Caravaggio,

Rubens, van Dyck and Murillo. The Modern Art Museum is

best known for its Macchiaoli movement paintings.



Admission: (with Museo degli Argenti) 6€ adults,

under 18 free. Cumulative tickets for the Galleria

Palatina, Museo degli Argenti, Galleria d'Arte

Moderna, and Giardino Boboli 12€ adults


Address: Piazza Pitti, 1, 50125 Florence


14:30 Giardino Boboli Rating:Parks &

Gardens

Visit Time: 45 mins

This is the garden adjoining the Medici villa, Pitti Palace,

which now houses several museums. The garden was

originally commissioned by Cosimo I for his wife Eleonora di

Toledo. The villa garden was designed in 1549 by Tribolo

(Niccolo Pericoli) who died a year later. His task was taken

over by Bartolomeo Ammanati and Giorgio Vasari.

Buontalenti was responsible for the wide courtyard between

the palace and the garden. Since its initial planting the

garden has been expanded several times and now covers

45,000m².

Today the garden is a park criss-crossed with wide gravel

paths and punctuated with statues and feature elements.Most of the sculptures date back to the 16 to 18th th

centuries and there are also Roman artifacts within the park.

The Great Grotto was designed by Buontalenti and is home

to Giambologna's and Michelangelo's statue ofVenus Four

. The garden has other grottos including the LargeSlaves

Grotto and the Grotto of Madama. The garden has ponds,

fountains, nympheums, temples and sculptured hedges. An

Egyptian obelisk stands at the center of the garden

amphitheatre; it was brought from Luxor in Egypt and after

being kept in Rome for a while was brought here in 1789.

The Fountain of Neptune stands at the end of the path's

primary axis overlooking the amphitheatre. Stoldo Lorenzi

created the sculpture of Neptune which adorns the fountain

and further along is Giambologna's statue of .Abundance

The undulating land was incorporated into the garden's

design, for example the sloping Viottolone, or wide

tree-lined avenue. At the end of the avenue is another

feature of the garden, the Isoletto, a pond (1618), with

Giambologna's fountain "Ocean" on a central island.

The Giardino del Cavaliere stands on ramparts designed by

Michelangelo in 1529. The Kaffehaus was an 18 centuryth

addition with a beautiful glazed dome and the garden's

Lemon House was created by Zanobi del Rosso.



Transportation: Bus - 12 or 13

Address: 50125 Florence


15:40 Piazzale Michelangiolo Rating: Square

Visit Time: 1 hour

This Florence square has an observation point from where

you can get brilliant views across the city skyline. Thesquare was built in 1869 and designed by Giuseppe Poggi,

it is located on a hill in the Oltrarno District. The long wide

Viali dei Colli Boulevard ends at the square and was part of

many changes made to the city during the renaissance

when the city was the country's capital. At the time the

square was constructed to provide a good vantage point

from which to look down upon the city's beautiful new

buildings. As the name suggests the Piazzale honors the

artist and sculptor Michelangelo and there are several

replicas of his work in Piazzale MIchelangelo. You can see

bronze replicas of Michelangelo's marble statue of asDavid well as the 4 allegories of the Medici Chapel of San

Lorenzo.

The observation point on the square is a balustrade terrace

and the panoramic views of the city are often seen on post

cards of the city. The site was intended as a museum where

Michelangelo's work would be displayed but this goal was

never realized. You can reach the hill top square via Viale

Michelangelo or by climbing up the stairs or ramps from

Piazza Giuseppe Poggi, also called Poggi Ramps.


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Transportation: Bus - 12 or 13

Opening Hours: Easter to early Oct daily

8:00am-7:30pm, winter Mon-Sat 8:00am-1:00pm

and 2:30-6:00pm, Sun 8:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Free


Address: Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125

Florence


16:45 San Miniato al Monte Rating: Religious Sites

Visit Time: 45 mins

Saint Miniato Monte is believed to have been the city's first

Christian martyr persecuted in the 3 century and laterrdbeheaded. Legend has it that he then took his severed head

and went to Monte alle Croci where he had lived in a cave.

The church is said to be constructed around this cave which

is located in the church oratory. The entire church complex

including the church itself, the Bishop's Palace, fortifications

and cemetery are located on Monte alle Croci where the

saint's cave was. The elevated location above Piazzale

Michelangelo and the city offers great views of the city.

The original church on this site was built in the 300s but the

one we see today is a Romanesque-style churchconstructed in 1018 alongside the Olivetan Monastery. The

church has a beautiful geometric patterned marble façade,

the lower level features 5 arches separated by columns, the

upper half has a mosaic of Jesus, the Holy Virgin and Saint

. The church's tower is unfinished and damagedMiniato

from the Siege of Florence in 1530. Within the church there

is marble intarsia paving with the signs of the zodiac and

animal symbols. On the walls are historic frescoes and

mosaics. In the large crypt are frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi,

the crypt is separated from the church by a wrought iron

gate dating back to 1338. The relics of St. Miniato are keptin the 11 century altar. Spinello Aretino created theth

frescoes at the entrance to the Sacristy in 1387 and the

church also has work by Luca della Robbia and Antonio

Manetti. Antonio Rossellino is responsible for the Cardinal's

funeral monument and Michelozzo designed the Chapel of

the Crucifix. The Bishop's Palace is part of the religious

complex and has served as a summer home for bishops, a

convent and a hospital.

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