A long walk in Firenze Italy and a visit to Pisa — A Greek Adventure

Leaving Verona we went towards Firenze Italy (Florence). We also planned to go to Pisa and we did. But the main goal was the amazing city of Firenze. The city is also considered as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages”. The old city is a total museum whereas many modern facilities blend with the old. We had to plan our visit there as we had to also visit Pisa (1 hour away).

This visit to Firenze was my 2nd one (I really 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 during night time we decided to stay a little bit longer outside and enjoy a drink. We found a little nice place where modern dressed Italians also seemed to enjoy. We were hungry 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 with your drink you could enjoy unlimited amount of finger food. It was indeed like that! So, to our surprise we had 2 in one. We enjoyed some cocktails along with slices of pizza, shrimps with rice, small toasts, pasta and many more.

I remember that we met the same thing in Rome (we will publish another article for this) and that was also a pleasant surprise. Food was a bit more spicy… Hmmm… maybe to enjoy more drinks! All and all it was a nice break to have some quite time with drinks and snacks on a large square of Firenze, enjoying the history around us.

Next morning adventures started after a very good breakfast at our hotel (Starhotels Michelangelo). We were a bit skeptical about the breakfast since we hadn’t read good comments for this but it seems that tripadvisor does quite some work, since the hotel has completely upgraded their breakfast with many and different buffets to fulfill any kind of appetite.

Walking in Firenze

We begun by the bridge of Ponte Vecchio. An interesting structure where as you walk you see mostly jewelry shops left and right of the road. The shops themselves are build in such way that half of them (their backside) is hanging on air over the bridge. Over the bridge exists the Vasari’s elevated corridor which is linking the Uffizi residence to the Medici residence (this is Palazzo Pitti).

The bridge leading to Ponte Vecchio bridge

Ponte Vecchio street

Statue of Cellini at Ponte Vecchio bridge

Ponte Vecchio back side

Ponte Vecchio back side

Ponte Vecchio bridge

Palazzo Pitti

Palazzo Pitti

After that we had a very relaxing walk uphills towards the Piazzale Michelangelo where we would enjoy a surrounding panoramic view of Firenze. Many people were there for the same reason.

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

View from Piazzale Michelangelo

Santa Croce of Firenze

We enjoyed our walk back and over the river and then move towards the Basilica di Santa Croce. The Basilica consists of many chapels, and rooms with paintings, 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 of Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Alighieri, Galilaeus, Niccolini, Rossini, and more.

Palazzo Vecchio of Firenze

We then moved towards Palazzo Vecchio were an astonishing amount of statues exists that depict the mastery of Firenze artists. Check them out.

Piazza del Duomo

Of course we couldn’t leave Firenze without visiting the amazing Duomo. There is a series of photos presenting the different sides of Duomo along with the Campanile di Giotto. The whole structure leaves you speechless from its beauty and detail in all elements of the structure. A true work of piece. With a small fee (but with a waiting line of about 2 hours) you can also climb at 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 most amazing element is its door.

Battistero di San Giovanni

Duomo Firenze

Duomo Firenze

Campanile di Giotto

Duomo Firenze

Duomo Firenze

Duomo Firenze — Ceiling

Firenze is an amazing city where you can stay for days and study the architecture and artifacts found all over the city, covered with mystery that inspired famous novelists (Dan Brown), 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 at the city you find yourself like being inside the game.

The art lover and the cultural traveler as well the seeker of mysteries will find his/her place in Firenze. A truly amazing 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 as we found out). The day was passing fast and we wanted to have some light to take pictures. We visited both the tower and also entered it, plus the exterior Piazza with the Cathedral. Actually, the tower of Pisa is hollow and it has no other facilities, but only a stair that you can walk and go at the top. There 5 bells exist and the view of Pisa is equally great.

The tower is huge and impressive! It used to have an inclination of 5.5 degrees, and with some supporting works it was reduced to 5. The feeling when trying to walk towards the top is strange as you walk “shifting” to your one side constantly, like you are about to fall. Even the steps were worn off one sided!

Pisa Tower

Pisa Tower

Pisa Tower inside

Pisa Tower inside

Pisa tower top

One of the bells of Pisa tower

View of Pisa from the top of the tower

View of Pisa from the top of the tower

From the Cathedral of Pisa

From the Cathedral of Pisa

We returned to Firenze and this ended our trip that started from London with the first stop at Mont Saint Michel, moving to Lyon and then to Verona. The next morning we went to Ancona, making a very quick stop at San Marino. From Ancona we took the boat to Patrais, Greece and back to Athens.

The whole trip enhanced our perspective about how important traveling in the world is. You see and experience things that change you.

Firenze was the perfect closure for the specific road trip and we already plan the next one.