Love and Olive Oil

Italian Adventure Part IV: Finale in Florence

Our trip ended where it started, in Florence. We flew in and out of the tiny airport, which, aside from the delayed luggage (we lived out of our carry-on for 2 days) was much more pleasant than I’m sure some of the larger airports were. Especially at 7am when we left.

The Duomo in Florence is one of the most incredible buildings I have ever seen. The beautiful white and green marble facade and massive dome cupola are truly a sight to be seen.

I think I took a picture of it every time we walked by.

Florence is truly a beautiful city full of art and history and art history. Just seeing some of the pieces I had studied in art history class, the original pieces, in person, was reason enough to go there.

I mean, Michelangelo is buried there for gosh sakes. Galileo too (though he is sort of in pieces… his tomb is in Santa Croce but his finger is on display in the Galileo museum… creepy).

There are a lot of churches in Florence. We sort of wandered into this one expecting another amazing interior (though the entrance fee to this one seemed a bit steep). But once we got inside we knew why. Seeing the actual tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, and Machiavelli (among others) warranted a higher admission, I suppose. Though by the end of our time there we really did feel, as Taylor put it, “10-Euro’d to death.”

One of our favorite stops was the Laurentian Library. Because it’s nice to see something beautiful and historic that isn’t a church (what a concept!). The library was a stunning space. Michelangelo done good with that one.

Hmm. Interesting view.

I promise, I didn’t intentionally photograph the backsides of these statues. It just happened.

I took some frontal shots too. And yes, I censored David. This isn’t a TSA screening, afterall. Besides, this isn’t the real David anyway. Just a copy. The real one’s in the Academia, which we did NOT see, because we didn’t feel like paying 20€ just to see his “original” junk. That is all.

Moving on…

Florence is full of beautiful details.

While the food in Florence was a bit harder to navigate (you often found yourself in an overpriced, ho hum restaurant where all you heard was English, not exactly authentic), we did discover what may be the world’s best sandwich (and something we’ve been craving since we’ve been back)…

Salami and pecorino on delicious bread. Or prosciutto and parmigiano. So simple, and so good. Especially when you find a place that slices the meat fresh for you on the spot.

Our final day there, we grabbed a few sandwiches and made the trek up to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you could look out over the entire city.

A perfect picnic lunch with the most incredible view (click!).

And with that, we enjoyed our final gelato (biscotti e crema, or cookies and cream), and said farewell! fair Florence, and ciao! Italia! We hope to return someday very soon.

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19 Comments

  1. Just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed your visit to Italy. How I long to go back and visit other areas unknown. Perhaps someday!

  2. Those are great photos! My daughters and I just got back from a five week tour of Italy and yes we love Firenze.

  3. I spent a summer semester in Florence in college over 10 years ago and your pictures bring me back. You captured it beautifully!!

  4. I’ve always wanted to visit Florence, and that first photo is just stunning! Thanks for sharing your trip with us … and for moving Italy up my list of places to see!

  5. These pictures are gorgeous and the food looks fantastic. How lucky you are to have had the opportunity to take such a fantastic trip. It definitely reaffirms my need to visit Italy!

  6. What great photos and sounds like an amazing vacation! Italy is on my bucket list. Love how you censored David – LOL! Happy early Thanksgiving!!

  7. Omg, I love the statue-butt photos. I took my share of those when I was in Florence last year! =X

  8. Amazing pictures! I have yet to visit Italy but you just put a bug in my ear! I need to starting planning something soon :) My parents just came back from the Amalfi Coast and raved about that too! Love your blog :)

  9. It’s been wonderful following your trek through Italy. I studied art in Florence for a month during college and these pictures bring me back to that wondrous time in my past. Thank you!

  10. By far my favorite of your four posts…the pictures are just stunning (especially the censored David!). Thanks so much for sharing your amazing trip!

  11. Ahhhh, Italy. Beautiful everywhere. It’s true, there’s nothing but beauty, generosity, warmth and friendliness. You must go on down South to the Amalfi Coast, must more hectic, but a coastline unequaled anywhere on earth. You’ve done a splendid job of these posts. xx’s Marsha

  12. What beautiful photos! I’m traveling myself right now, although through New Zealand & Asia, but I’ve been to Italy and there’s no place quite like it!

  13. It seems we had very similar experiences in Florence! It’s impossible not to take pictures of the Duomo every time you pass it- it’s just too lovely. I also LOVED those sandwiches. So simple but so good, I still talk about them.

  14. Wow, thanks for sharing your trip with us. The pictures are just amazing, wish I was there too!

  15. Gorgeous pictures – I loved reading about your trip. Had no idea they made you pay to see the real David by Michelangelo! Have always wanted to go to Florence to see all the sculptures and art – oh and to try all the food too! Great post, really enjoyed it.

  16. Wow, it’s a shame you guys have to make so much fun of the David. It’s truly one of the most breathtaking pieces of art I’ve ever seen in person, I’m sorry you missed it! And fyi, Dante’s tomb in Florence is empty!

  17. Hi there,
    Though I am normally not a commenter I just had to remark how beautiful your pictures are and how excited they make me for our upcoming trip.
    Did you only use your 50mm lens for those photos? A tripod? Because I’m impressed!
    Thanks!

  18. Those food shots are making me drool-I want that gelato! Nomnomnom!

    And the censored David cracked me up. Coming from the art history major who has seen his “junk” blown up on an auditorium projector, haha.

  19. Think I have that same picture of the Duomo, although I feel like mine is cloudy. Jealous of that gelato – I swear that’s how I spent half of my money in Italy.

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