Our two-hour drive from Bologna to Florence in Tuscany was largely pleasant, with sweeping views of broad, hilly landscapes. We navigated through several tunnels and over highway bridges connecting the hills. Yet, upon exiting the freeway and entering the city, my printed directions once again proved useless. I immediately got lost trying to find Hotel Genzianella in Piazza della Libertà, spending about 40 minutes and numerous stops asking for directions before finally locating it. After dropping off my parents, securing parking for my trusted C30 Volvo became the next ordeal, taking at least another 30 minutes. Identifying affordable and legal parking was a significant challenge in old Florence, given the ubiquitous Italian signs dictating when parking was permitted.
Adding to the stress, my seatbelt sensor became inexplicably cranky, sounding an annoying alarm as I circled the streets. My stress levels truly hit the roof in what was definitely a character-building moment! Mid-way through my frantic search, feeling somewhat fed up but not yet ready to give up, it suddenly dawned on me: tomorrow was Sunday, meaning free parking throughout Florence! Happily, I drove back to a side street near the hotel and found a spot. However, my relief was short-lived, as the hotel receptionist later informed me I'd need to move my car to the other side of the street the next morning for street cleaning. How utterly annoying!
Above right: An old elevator inside Hotel Genzianella ~ we stayed there for 2 nights at €66/night
Enough with the ranting about my parking (mis)adventure! After a simple self-service dinner at a nearby restaurant, we walked to the Duomo area to take in the cool night air and people-watch. On our stroll back, two fun-loving Italian ladies approached me and asked if I thought the pair of sunglasses looked nice on one of them. I paused, looked at both of them, and simply responded, "But it's nighttime now...?" It was a silly thing to say, but the three of us spontaneously burst into laughter. What a perfect, lighthearted end to an otherwise stressful day.
Above left: The 3 plates from Gran Caffe Self Service cost €18.50
Above left: Palazzo Vecchio has served as Florence's town hall since
the Middle Ages and was once the residence of the Medici family;
Above right: Menelaus Carrying the Body of Patroclus in the Loggia dei Lanzi
Above left: the back of the sculpture of The Rape of the Sabine Women; Above right: Hercules and Nessus, a Renaissance sculpture by Giambologna (Jean Boulogne)
Above left: The first of two Medici lions (commissioned by Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany in 1598 for his Villa Medici); this was sculptured by Giovanni di Scherano Fancelli;
Above right: Fountain of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria (designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati and completed in 1574)
The following morning, we attended the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass at the Duomo, and I had a truly unexpected blessing: one of the priests asked if I could assist with the collection. Honored to be asked, I, of course, readily agreed! Often coined the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is indeed a city steeped in the history of art and architecture. Both "Renaissance men," Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, were also born here. A truly inspiring, romantic, charming, and wonderful city.
Above: Breakfast is included at the hotel
Above: €3 entrance fee per adult
Above right: Loggia dei Lanzi (or Loggia della Signoria), on the corner of Piazza della Signoria
Above: The Rape of the Sabine Women, sculptured by Giambologna (1579-1583)
Above left: A replica of Michelangelo's David in the sculpture's
original position in front of the Palazzo Vecchio;
Above right: The inscription below the medallion reads:
"Rex Regum et Dominus Dominantium," meaning "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
Above: Piazza della Signoria
Above left: The Ponte Vecchio (The Old Bridge) crosses the Arno River
Above left: Walking across the Ponte Vecchio;
Above right: Statue of Benvenuto Cellini, the legendary Italian sculptor and goldsmith -
the inscription reads: "Benvenuto Cellini / Master / The goldsmiths / Of Florence"
Above: Crossing the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio
Above: @ the Palazzo Pitti - a grand Renaissance palace that houses several museums, including the Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Silver Museum, and Porcelain Museum - unfortunately, we gave it a pass as we were too tired.... if only we'd stayed 3 nights instead of just 2...
Above left: 3 plates of pasta for lunch cost €27
Above right: Statue of Dante Alighieri, the legendary Italian poet best known for The Divine Comedy. The inscription on the pedestal reads: "To Dante Alighieri, Italy, 1865"
Photos of Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) below:
Above: Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini, among other luminaries
were buried in this church ~ €5 per entrance
Above (from left): Tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Rossini
Above left: Tomb of Machiavelli
Photos of Piazza Michelangelo below:
Above right: Sunset on the Arno River
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