Florence is like a little Rome, only not nearly as crowded or crazy. It is a tiny city that can be travelled across on foot really easily, no need for trains, trams or buses, everything is within easy reach. The ancient buildings are in good condition and the cobbled streets are not too rough. There are historic buildings everywhere, nary a modern structure to be seen in the centre of the city.
Cathedrals and museums are quite prolific and some great art can be viewed in many places throughout the city. We got up close and comfortable with a number of Michelangelo sculptures, including his understandably very famous ‘David.’ Man, that sculpture is eerily awe-inspiring, it has a presence and almost a charisma to it. I know that sounds silly for a lump of marble, but it is more than just a chunk of rock, it is most definitely Grand Art. There is something about the real thing that the many copies around the place are unable to capture.
Queuing was a bit of a problem for us, twice we had to stand in line for over an hour to get in to see a couple of things. As a spoilt Aussie that tended to get up Rod’s nose a bit. Georgie wasn’t too happy about it either.
There were lots of talented buskers playing good music in each of the many ‘Piazzas’ dotted about the place, so even though all the live music venues were closed for the summer we still got to hear some good tunes at night.
Florence has got to be the prettiest city we have encountered on this trip, with lots of great classical art to boot. So it is now officially our favourite city.
Love the painting of the lady in the clam shell from the Monty Pythons Flying Circus intro ?
Classy mate! We wondered how many people would recognise it.
It think Rosaleen Ryan’s “Birth of Suburbia” is better.
Actually both are as beautiful and enigmatic as each other