While on our own today, we visited the Uffizi Gallery. Originally built for the Medici’s in the mid 1500’s, it was officially opened as a public gallery in 1765. Among some of its famous works are paintings by Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. Without a guide of any kind, it was pretty overwhelming. After about 2 hours, we decided to move on. This 2nd century AD sculpture of Sleeping Ariadne exemplified our feelings.
Of course, we were easily humored by a sculpture of a young man who appeared to be looking at his phone. Bonnie posed along side him for a comparison.
Next, we walked over the Ponte Vecchio bridge famous for being the only bridge in Florence not destroyed by Germans during their retreat during WWII. The many tourists find beautiful jewelry in the small shops that line both the left and right sides of the bridge. Below is the bridge where it crosses the Arno River at its narrowest point.
When we asked Matteo what was something we shouldn’t miss while we are in Florence, he said,” the Basilica of Santa Croce. ‘' Construction of the church began in 1294 by the Franciscans, and legend says that Santa Croce was founded by St Francis, himself. The Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. As churches go, it is quite Spartan in its construction; however, it contains art from many of the great Florentine artists, especially Giotto.
Santa Croce is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories because it is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini. The tomb of Galileo is on the left.
Although we don’t leave Florence tomorrow, we will be spending the day in Sienna.
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