Sherpa's Wonderin's

To Florence To Florence

We leave for Florence in four days. The tickets have been bought, they’ve been sitting in my desk drawer for at least a month. The last preparations are here and I spent the past couple of weeks going through guidebooks to decide what I want to see in Florence and the region. My list is in my book, but I thought I’d might as well share.

Florence:

Galleria dell Accademia
The Florentine School of Art houses Michelangelo’s David and Michelangelo’s four Slaves or Prisoners. Admission

Baddia Fiortino
Dante supposedly haunted this ancient church. 15th century frescoes, a tomb that isa Renaissance masterpiece and the painting, The Madonna Appearing to St. Bernard. Free

Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Contains Michaelangelos, Donatello’s David and a priceless Ivory collection. Admission.

Casa Bunoarrotti
Michaelangelo never lived in the house but it provides a valuable insight into his life and work. Admission

Casa di Dante
Dante’s house is an entirely modern restruction on a historic site, but is worth a visit to see a recreation of a 13th century house. Admission

Battissero San Giovani
This is where the three sets of bronze doors that Florence is famous for are located. I even saw a photo in a tabloid of Nick and Jessica Simpson peering at this in a cover of a tabloid a month or two ago. Admission

Orsanmichele
Church with some Donatello’s and Ghibertis. Free Admission

Santa Croce
Nine Chapels…with frescoes which are among the important medieval works of art in Florence. This is also Florence’s Pantheon. An 18th century memorial to Machiavelli is here. Admission

Cappelle Medicee
Michaelangelo’s Dawn and Dusk and some charcoals made on the wall by Michelangelo and discovered in 1975. Admission

Santo Spirito
Last major work of the architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Disappointing front but the interior is classical purity. Free Admission

Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
The Cathedral of Florence. ‘Nuff said.
Admission Charge

Museo Archeologico
Houses Medici’s Etruscan collection. Also Greek and and an Egyptian Room. Maybe
Admission Charge

Museo dellOpera del duomo
This museum contains the original art that was in the cathedral.

Palazzo Pitti
Important for its art collection. Although it’s the most expensive museum in Florence, this has one of the most important art collections. Admission Charge

Palazzo Vechio
Where the “imitation” of the David stands nearbye

Ponte Vecchio
Oldest of Florence’s bridge and is the most popular tourist spot in the city.

Uffizi Galeria
This is the art museum that is a must see.

Mercato Nuovo
The “new market” has a small bronze fountain called the little boar which dates to 1612. The snout is “polished” gold; the belief is that whoever throws a coin in the fountain will return to Florence.

Piazza Santo Spirito is “bohemian” with lots of little shops and and cafes.

Via dei Calzauiuoli
Where Florentines go to shop and stroll after work.

Mercato Centrale
Vast food market with numerous cafesand a tvola calda canteen where you can choose a three course meal for about 8 euros.

Piazza della Santissima Annunzaiata
Florence’s few planned Rennaisance squares.

Piazza Santa Croce
Local artists display their works for sale here.
Piazzale Michelangelo. Provides most famous view of Florence

San Miniato al Monte
One of the most splendid Romaneque churches in Tuscany

Other possible places to see:
Arteminio
Pisa
Siena
Cinque Terra (Scroll all the way down)