Exploring Firenze

With class ending at 12 everyday, most of our afternoons are spent just wandering around Florence. In the past few days we've covered many of the city's famous sites and landmarks.


Girls ready to explore

Our first adventure was a trek up to Palazzo Michelangelo, a courtyard atop a hill that overlooks the city. Our professor orignially told us that a bus ride was neccessary to reach the palazzo, because the roads leading up are so steep. Being cheap college students, however, we decided to forgo the bus tickets and make the climb ourselves. Although I've never felt so out of shape in my life, the climb was completely worth it! The view of Florence was breathtaking, you could see the entire city backed by mountains in the distance. It finally started to hit me that I'm actually in Italy!


Panorama from Palazzo Michelangelo

Another stop on our list of things to see in Florence was Michelangelo's David. Although I've seen pictures and replicas before, nothing compares to seeing David in real life. I had no idea how large the statue was going to be (17 feet!), and the amount of detail was incredible. Even more amazing is that Michelangelo created David from a leftover slab of marble that the church allowed him to use! Unfortunately, cameras weren't allowed in the museum, so I couldn't take any good pictures... although I did sneak a shot from behind haha.


Illegal pic of David

Other visits during our first few days in Florence included the Ponte Vecchio (an old bridge over the Arno River), Palazzo Pitti, Forte di Belvedere, and Palazzo Vecchio (a courtyard featuring copies of famous statues). We've also stopped at the marketplace and some gelaterias along the way! Florence is fairly small, so it's nice to be able to walk everywhere. I'm really enjoying city life so far!

View from the Ponte Vecchio

Palazzo Vecchio

Dried fruit stand at the market

Updates soon!