After a very special time on the shores of
Lake Como we drove onto our next port of call in Tuscany, our home for the next few nights was
Villa Pitiana. Just 25 minutes from Florence the Villa is set in the beautiful Tuscan countryside close to the village of
Donnini. In the words of its website, "the Villa still retains the articulated architecture of a millenary history, from the foundation as a fortified farm, to the utilisation as a Benedectine monastry and eventually to the conversion as a noblemans elegant Villa in the IXth century".
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| Villa Pitiana |
The restaurant in the Villa is exceptional, offering traditional Tuscan food with a contemporary twist. This combined with the elegant setting makes dining in Villa Pitiana a pleasure. To be honest there is not too much more in the immediate vicinity if you don't want to drive, that said the food really was delicious.
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| View from the rear of the Villa |
Our first day trip was to Florence, the easiest way is to hop on a train from the local town, check at reception and they'll give you directions. Wow, finally Florence, perhaps one of Italy's most famous cities, judging by the crowds of tourists that really seems to be the case.
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| San Lorenzo Church |
Just look at your guide book and you'll see that there is an incredible amount too see in
Florence and perhaps you really need a couple of days to do this city justice. We had just one day and for some reason failed to fall for Florence. It felt a little dirty, very busy and the frozen pizza rip off at lunchtime wasn't the best advert for Italian food. That said, you can feel the sense of history as you wind your way around the city. So my advice is if you plan to visit Florence be sure and plan your day so that you know where to go.
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| Piazza di San Marco |
Set in the heart of Florence,
Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo dominates the city with its enormous dome. Its sheer size was typical of Florentine determination to lead in all things, and to this day, no other building stands taller in the city.
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| Santa Maria del Fiore |
Piazza della Signoria is a unique outdoor sculpture gallery which along wtih the Palazzo Vecchio, has been at the heart of Florentine politics since the 14th century. Citizens gathered here when called to a parlamento (public gathering by the Palazzo's great bell. One tip, avoid the tourist restaurants around the sides of the Piazza, it was here that we made our fatal frozen pizza error, obviously not expecting such a disappointing lunch.
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| Piazza della Signoria |
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| The Loggia dei Lanzi |
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| Neptune Fountain |
Last landmark from our visit to Florence is the Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge which is actually the oldest bridge in Florence. Built in 1345, it was the only bridge to escape being blown up during World War II. There have always been workshops on the bridge, in 1593 the owners were evicted by Duke Ferdinando 1 because of the noise and stench they created. The workshops were rebuilt and let to more decorous goldsmiths, and the shops lining and overhanging the bridge continue to specialize in new and antique jewellery to this day.
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| Ponte Vecchio |
Thanks Mark, if we make it back to Florence, we'll try and check out the Uffizi Museum.
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ReplyDeleteDuring World War II the city experienced a year-long German occupation (1943–1944) and was declared an open city. The Allied soldiers who died driving the Germans from Tuscany are buried in cemeteries outside the city (Americans about nine kilometres south of the city, British and Commonwealth soldiers a few kilometres east of the centre on the right bank of the Arno). In 1944, the retreating Germans blew up the bridges along the Arno linking the district of Oltrarno to the rest of the city, making it difficult for the British troops to cross. However, at the last moment Charle Steinhauslin, at the time consulate of 26 countries in Florence, convinced the German general in Italy that the Ponte Vecchio was not to be blown up due to its historical value.
Florence, Italy Museums and Uffizi Gallery tour florence italy tour
Wow, this time its Jackie from the Uffizi Museum, are you a collague of Marks?
ReplyDeleteBasically, this hotel is very beautiful and great, it is located at Lake Como and few seconds away from ferry dock. We stayed here for two nights and it was fabulous experience. There staff is very friendly and they are willing to help, and the breakfast experience is curious. The rooms are very lovely and clean.
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With myezplan you can discover many interesting places like theaters and historical sites - | Remarkable Old Structure | Places to visit in Florence http://goo.gl/yEJfY in Italy
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