62. Florence Part 1. Travel to Florence, Italy. Visit the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria, San Lorenzo Basilica and the Central Market.
This is our first episode about Florence – and we didn’t think we were going to survive to tell you any of our Florence stories.
I know that sounds dramatic, but at the time it was real - and it was all to do with the weirdest google translation from our air bnb host as we were locked in a dark entry way with him outside our apartment. The whole story is in the podcast.
Now, Florence or Firenze as it is known in Italy is definitely one of my favourite cities. It is beautiful. There is so much to see and do, all packed into such small area.
This is the first of a three podcasts about Florence. We couldn’t fit everything into one or two episodes and do it justice.
In this episode you will come with us as we walk along the Arno river and check the Porte Vecchio – which is the famous old Roman bridge with all the gold and jewellery shops.
Next, without any plan really, we find Piazza Della Signoria where the replica of Michelangelo’s famous David is as well as the Palacio Vecchio, Neptune’s fountain and heaps other famous sculptures.
But by far the most amazing thing we saw in our first few days was when we turned a corner and there was the Florence Duomo – the cathedral. Wow. I know I’ve said that before – many times – but this building is so incredible it just halts you in your tracks.
Next we visit the central food markets, the leather market stall area, walk around the glamorous shopping area, find San Lorenzo’s Basilica where Donatello’s last works are, and finish at a dingy little bar – that became our local favourite.
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Show notes and pictures below
Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region of Italy. It has a population of 361,000. It is built along the Arno River. The river is crossed with four bridges, the most famous being Ponte Vecchio. This was built in the 900’s and still has the original three supporting arches. The bridge is the area for gold and jewellery shops. Many of original shops still line the bridge today.
Not far from the bridge is the gateway to the Uffizi Palace which leads into the Piazza Della Signoria. You can see the replica of Michelangelo's David right outside the Palacio Vecchio (which was the Medici families’ original palace). Also, in the plaza is Neptune’s fountain and many beautiful and famous statues like Perseo holding Medusa’s head by Benvenuto Celini which was done in 1554. All throughout the Piazza area you can find local artists and their paintings as well as street performers.
Only a 10 minute walk from the Piazza is the famous Florence Duomo. It is famous for its dome and facade. The cathedral complex includes the Baptistry and Giotto’s Campanile (bell tower). The Duomo is 153m long, 90m wide and 114.5m high.
When you first see the Duomo, you can’t help but be speechless. It is spectacular with its geometric marble facade which covers the whole building. The facade is covered in marble panels of various shades of green and pink and bordered in white. Then to top that off there is the largest brick dome ever constructed.
It is free to enter the Duomo, but we recommend doing a skip the line tour, as you will learn so much about the complex, and also there is no waiting in line. This is the 30 minute tour we did, which also included free entry to the Misericordia di Firenze Museum, which is opposite the Duomo and has fabulous views from the 4th floor windows.
Inside the cathedral you will see the large fresco of the last judgement on the massive dome. It is something amazing to see. You can easily walk around the cathedral and admire all the artwork and the intricate marble floor.
If you want to go up to the dome and see it up close, you have to buy a ticket and climb the 463 steps. You will enjoy spectacular views all over Florence from the dome.
One of the popular places to visit in central Florence is the Central Market. Here you can find lots of local fresh produce and a food court on the second level. Surrounding the market are many leather stalls with brightly coloured bags, coats and other leather goods of all sizes. The smell of leather is heavy in the air.
Another Basilica that is definitely worth visiting is San Lorenzo Basilica. It is close to the Central Market. The outside is plain but the inside houses many gems. You can see Donatello’s latest works, the pulpits. The Annunciation and Stories from the life of St. Nicholas by Filipo Lippi.
This is also the burial place for all the principal members of the Medici family.
We enjoyed our first few days exploring and eating our way around Florence.
These show notes/blog are just a summary of the podcast. If you would like all the details and fun stories then click the player above.
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