Leaving Verona, we went South to explore the things to see in Florence, Italy.
Florence is also met under the name “Firenze,” which is the actual Italian name of this city. We also planned to go to Pisa, and we did. But the main goal was the fantastic city of Florence.
The city is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages.” That is not by chance when you discover the many things to see in Florence.
The old city of Florence is a total museum whereas many modern facilities blend with the old. We had to plan our visit there as we had also to visit Pisa (1 hour away).
This visit to Florence was my 2nd one (I like the old city) but the first for Maria and I had promised her that she would love it. She did!
We arrived a bit tired the night before, and after having our traditional night walk to see how the city looks at night time, we decided to stay a little bit longer outside and enjoy a drink.
We found a nice little place where modern-dressed Italians also seemed to enjoy. We were hungry and thinking about also ordering something when we noticed that people were coming in and out of the bar carrying small plates of food.
It seemed like the bar was one of those where you could enjoy an unlimited amount of finger food with your drink.
It was indeed like that! We enjoyed cocktails, pizza slices, shrimp with rice, small toasts, pasta, and many more. So, to our surprise, we had 2 in one.
I remember we met the same thing in Rome (we will publish another article for this), which was also a pleasant surprise.
The food was a bit spicier. Hmmm… maybe to enjoy more drinks! Things to see in Florence and something to eat indeed!!!
It was a nice break to have some quiet time with drinks and snacks on a large square of Florence, enjoying the history around us.
The next day’s adventures started after an excellent breakfast at our hotel (Starhotels Michelangelo).
We were skeptical about the breakfast since we hadn’t read good comments for this. Still, it seems that TripAdvisor does some work since the hotel has completely upgraded its breakfast with many different buffets to fulfill any appetite.
Things to see in Florence historical center
We began by the bridge of Ponte Vecchio. An exciting structure where, as you walk, you see mostly jewelry shops left and right of the road.
The shops are built, so half of them (their backside) hang on air over the bridge.
Over the bridge exists the Vasari’s elevated corridor, which links the Uffizi Gallery and residence to the Medici residence (this is Palazzo Pitti).
After that, we had a very relaxing walk uphill towards the Piazzale Michelangelo, where we would enjoy a surrounding panoramic view of Florence.
Many people were there for the same reason.
Santa Croce of Florence
We enjoyed our walk back and over the Arno river and then moved towards the Basilica di Santa Croce. But that was not the end. There were even more things to see in Florence.
The Basilica consists of many chapels and rooms with paintings and amazingly serene and green backyards.
Peace and serenity was the feeling that was beaming from that place.
Inside exist the tombs of many famous persons like Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Alighieri, Galilaeus, Niccolini, Rossini, and more.
Palazzo Vecchio of Florence
We then moved towards Palazzo Vecchio, where many statues depict the mastery of Firenze artists. Check them out.
See the Piazza de la Signoria statues.
Here is a view of Palazzo Vecchio.
Piazza del Duomo
Of course, we couldn’t leave Florence without visiting the impressive Duomo. A series of photos presents the Duomo’s different sides and the Campanile di Giotto.
The whole structure leaves you speechless from its beauty and detail in all elements of the structure.
A true masterpiece. With a small fee (but with a waiting line of about 2 hours), you can climb to the top of Duomo and enjoy the view from there.
Across, you can also visit the famous Battistero di San Giovanni, where -I believe- its fantastical element is its door.
Firenze is a fantastic city where you can stay for days and study the architecture and artifacts found all over the city, covered with a mystery that inspired famous novelists (Dan Brown) and video games (Assassins Creed 1).
The last one takes place in the streets and roofs of the city, whereas they were modeled into 3rd animation as they were.
Once you land in the city, you find yourself inside the game.
Here are photos from the Duomo.
The art lover, the cultural traveler, and the seeker of mysteries will find/her place in Firenze. A truly fantastic place to visit in Italy.
Visiting Pisa
We had some time, and we quickly drove to Pisa (well known for her tower, but that was not the only thing we found out).
The day passed fast, and we wanted to have some light to take pictures. We visited the tower and entered it, plus the exterior Piazza with the Cathedral.
The bell tower of Pisa is hollow, and it has no other facilities, only a stair that you can walk and go to at the top. There, five bells exist, and the view of Pisa is equally significant.
See more in this post for Pisa.
We returned to Florence, which ended our trip that started from London with the first stop at Mont Saint Michel, moving to Lyon, and then to Verona.
The following day we went to Ancona, making a quick stop at San Marino. From Ancona, we took the boat to Patras, Greece, and back to Athens.
The whole trip enhanced our perspective about how vital traveling in the world is. You see and experience things that change you.
Florence was the perfect closure for the specific road trip, and we are already planning the next one.
Are there things to see in Florence you want to suggest? Place your comment below!
Did you enjoy our article for Things To See in Florence? Also, read 7 Best Cities for Honeymoon in Italy.