Another early day but we needed to get on the road to Florence, an hour from our port. A captivating city nestled in the heart of Tuscany, it has a rich history and is a magnet for art enthusiasts. They are so many museums and artists along the streets. Boasting a population of around 380,000, Florence is the capital of Tuscany and offers a glimpse into the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Our first stop? The famed Galleria dell’Accademia, a must-see for any Michelangelo fans. Here, we stood awestruck before the iconic statue of David. This 17-foot masterpiece, carved from a single block of marble, is a testament to Michelangelo’s incredible skill. David, the biblical hero, is depicted with a powerful stance and a determined expression, a rock in hand, perfectly capturing his readiness for battle.
The statue of David was originally intended for the Florence Cathedral. However, due to its immense size and symbolism, it was eventually placed in the Piazza della Signoria before finding its final home at the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Speaking of the Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, we couldn’t resist marveling at its awe-inspiring Brunelleschi’s dome. Its sheer scale and architectural masterpiece left us speechless. The entire buildings size was impressive with a building area of 89,340 sq ft, length – 502 ft, width- 125 ft, width at the crossing – 300 ft. We also peeked at the Gates of Heaven situated across the street has intricately detailed bronze doors of the Baptistery, and admired the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the historic town hall.
A quick detour for lunch at a charming trattoria fueled our afternoon adventures. We had fun with the waiter as he was (jokingly) frustrated that we were in Tuscany Italy and not drinking wine! “chi viene in Italia e non beve vino!” Translated as “who comes to Italy but doesn’t drink the wine?” Along with his hand gestures! Refreshed and ready to explore, we crossed the iconic Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with bustling jewelry shops. We did a lot of window shopping but because the gold is very pure here, the cost wasn’t within my reach.
We loaded up the coach and moved on. Next stop: Pisa! This city, known for its population of around 83,000, holds a unique treasure. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, of course. While the unintended tilt may be the main attraction, the entire Piazza del Duomo is worth exploring. The Pisa Baptistery, with its stunning baptismal font, and the Duomo itself, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, captivated us. We walked around taking photos, even trying our hand at the popular “try to hold up the tower” photo.
We learned that the Leaning Tower’s unique tilt is attributed to the soft foundation upon which it was built. Construction began in 1173, but due to the settling ground, the tower began to tilt almost immediately! Thankfully, restoration efforts have ensured the tower’s longevity and was finally completed in 1372.
For a taste of Tuscany’s natural beauty, we ended the day with a glimpse of the Carrara Mountains, the source of the world-famous Carrara marble. These majestic peaks, located about an hour from Pisa, have provided the material for countless sculptures and architectural masterpieces for centuries. The mountains looked as if they had snow caps!
Florence and Pisa are beautiful Tuscan gems. We loved it here and surely hope to be back.
Next stop is our last Italian port, Portofino.
May God Bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 