Florence

You can see the greatness of Florence as soon as you arrive to the train station. We were lucky to find an amazing airbnb into a prime location next to the Ufizzi Gallery with wonderful views of Palazzo Vechio which is the town hall of Florence. We did 2 days there and strongly believe it wasn’t enough neither.

The first day we just stroll around central Florence there is so much to see and do. Since we were too close we started our day passing by Ponte Vecchio, this medieval bridge with 3-Arch pillars and shops in the top (mostly jewelry shops) and is one of the most famous bridges in the world. It is believed was built for the first time in 996 by the romans. However, it was destroyed by floods and then rebuilt at least two times more.

Then we started to stroll to Piazza del Duomo, where we had the chance to see the Italy’s Cathedral Santa Maria de Fiore. The 3rd Largest church in the world followed by St Pete’s in Rome and St Paul’s on London. It was dedicated to the Virgin of the flower “Santa Maria de Fiore” and lilies the symbol of the city of Florence. Kept walking around the area and we found a numerous of museums, piazzas and galleries there is so much to do in this Italian cities…We decided to stop by Museo Leonardo da Vinci and Accademia Gallery to see the Greatest Sculpture on Earth “David of Michaelangelo” it is perfect! did you know David was carved from a single block of Carrara marble and Michaelangelo was only 26 when he made it. So impressive and powerful! Funny memories on this one you can see as soon you arrive the building all men are so uncomfortable around the magnificent sculpture and all women are mesmerized almost hypnotized by it (including me).

We all know how yummy Italian food can be…Well after a while eating pasta and seafood in the Amalfi coast, we missed already some green lightweight leafs…(yeah actually miss it) Since it was recommended by many we decided to pass by Mercato Centrale (beautiful central market in Florence) This market mixes all the beautiful 16th century Medici like style with the 21th century modernism. In the first floor you can find all traditional Italian eats and produce, then in the second floor using the escalator you’ll find very nice hype-focused eateries where you can order and seat in the common are. We choose a vegan eatery called Veg&Veg where we satisfy all our veggie carvings…

Tuscany: Pisa – Siena – San Gimignano

While in Florence we did a day tour around Tuscany area. We started at Siena, where we visited different landmarks at piazza de campo which is one of the greatest medieval plazas in Europe. The plaza itself includes the beautiful Tower of Magnia and Pubblico Palace two incredible buildings that adorns the particular shape of this plaza.

A little more deep into Siena we found another jewel from Medieval time, The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Assunta. It is a master piece of art. From the impressive scene mosaics in the floor (the largest mosaic floor ever made) to the Piccolomini Library frescoes, the stained glass and sculptures. It is like a worldwide treasure, major artists put their hands here including: Nicola Pisano, Donatello, Michaelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini among others…here some pics of this unbelievable place (we were lucky to see uncovered floorings which only happens a couple of weeks per year)

After a lovely morning in Pisa, we stopped by one the famous Tuscany vineyards for wine tasting and lunch…I mean I was 6 months pregnant so couldn’t enjoy the whole experience but for sure I got a glass of wine (well deserved). The tour continued to the charming hill town UNESCO World Heritage site San Gimignano. This town also known for its medieval architecture had a particular way to built its houses, they all have a tower shaped form with hilltops to protect families from “their neighbors” at Middle Ages seems like they didn’t get along and each family had like a “private army” to fight pretty much family egos…Only 24 out of 72 towers still standing there and it felt to me like a movie set (I’m sure couple of movies were filled here). San Gimignano is home of the worlds best gelato Gelateria Dondoli Obviously I got my cone after a long line and wait but it was worthed.

Last stop of the tour…Pisa more exactly Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) the complex is a group of monument that includes : The Cathedral of Pisa, the baptistry, The Bell Tower (Leaning Tower) and the monumental cemetery. Off course, the Leaning Tower takes all the credits at this location, very particular angulated 4 degrees that fluctuate within the years…Lot had being said about the reason of leaning like bad foundation, there is also being big efforts to keep the tower up, point is the tower have being surviving even strong earthquakes in the area, millions of tourist per year and yeah is fun to get pics taken here…

and the tour ended at this location…headed back to Florence to continue to our next destination Milan!