We started our day exploring the nearby Church - Basilica di Santa Croce. Very handy as we are staying just off the Plaza Santa Croce.
It was richly decorated...
and home to the tombs of Michael Angelo, Galileo, Marconi and a memorial to Leonardo Da Vinci.
The gardens were peaceful,
and there was a quaint little museum of the old church artifacts.
Our next little walk took us to the Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I - a bronze equestrian statue erected in 1594 in the Piazza della Signoria
So of course we took a photo, carefull avoiding heavy crowds.
Also in the area were plenty of curious statues.
So if you are lucky enough to be in another place or country exploring as see an interesting street. Always check it out! We found the centre of the city quite by accident :)
Onto the big attractions.
The ones where we queue (luckily in March not for too long!)
The catheral of Florence with its wonderful Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, with the baptistery right across the way from it (Octagonal building) and the bell tower to the right.
We went into the cathedral and when we tried to enter the crypts, found we had to buy a ticket to all the attractions for 15 euros to get in.
(The cathedral was actually rather more stark than the first church we visited).
So off to the museum to get our tickets. And explore the museum too of course. (More church-y stuff)
It was quite good, but I was leaning towards having enough of holy art by now. The cryps under the Cathedral were a little different. (Yes we re-queued to get in!t
As I was saying, enough of the churches, it was certainly time for icecream. Panna cotta gelato wins hands down here!
We moved onto my long-awaited favourite destination. - The Da vinci museum!
Check out his inventions, most are working models made from his plans, some are models of his inventions.
The place was tiny, just three rooms, but I think I read every piece of info in there. Loved it!
I did stop by a vodafone to try and get a phone - No luck, how can the cheapest phone by 123 euros!
Never mind, we will try spending the equivalent on Pizza instead! :D In a totally cute restaurant might I add.
We passed a remembrance service of some kind at a memorial which was interesting - unsure what it was however!
Ryan needed to 'adjust' the sole in his shoes before we embarked to our final stop at the end of the day. He has done this perhaps 8 times so far - They had better last for Pisa tomorrow!
We climbed many many stairs, and at the top we were greeted with views
(WARNING - Picturesque photos alert!)
The atmosphere was amazing. Romantic street music, warm weather, gorgeous views and convenient places to sit and just relax while you take it all in. It is the place for couples and friends with bottles of wine or boxes of pizza and picnic blankets. I think I could have stayed all day - <3 a place to remember and return to one day :)
We found another route down through some public gardens, a much prettier walk :)
We ended our day with a glass of white wine (a beer for Ryan) in a cute bar, wondering how on earth luck brought us to Florence!
Much Love!
xxx