Our slow day in Florence

We planned a free day in Florence today – turned out the longest and most exhausting so far.  Slept in and got going at about 9.30am.  First stop was the Piazzale Michelangelo – a lookout above the city with sensational views.  We were reliably informed it was a good vantage point at sunset and later to watch the city lights after dark.  We vowed to stay out till dark no matter how tired we thought we were.

At Piazzale Michelangelo.

Vernon and David - see if you can pick who is who???

The Dome and Cathedral

Vernon with Florence in the background.

Parked in the city and walked to the cathedral with the intention of walking up to the top of the dome.  Unbeknown to us it was the annual ‘Closing of the Dome Festival Day’ in Florence.  Pam thought it may have been the annual Feast of the Opera of Saint Maria del Fiore.  I’m not sure where she gets these crazy ideas!!??

In any event the Dome and the Cathedral were closed, as consolation all the other associated buildings were open free of charge.  In a moment of madness we decided to climb the bell tower.  They claim 414 stairs – I think they lost count somewhere north of 400 and just made it up after that.  Narrow, dark, steep and exhausting.  We made it to the top which is about 6 metres below the level of the top of the dome (and within walking distance to heaven).  Gets a great view, if you are able to stand up and breathe by the time you crawl to the edge.

Made it down without mishap, although the 6 ambulances permanently based at the bottom gave us some food for thought.

View from the first level

Three quarters of the way up.

From the top.

Another view from the top

This is a two-way set of stairs - gets quite busy both ways at times.

From the ground.

Wandered around after that, visited the open museum at the Palazzo Vechio, even these statues are 500 years old and just hanging out in the weather, the Italians are a very casual lot.  Spent more on food today than any other day, had smoko, lunch, smoko, afternoon tea then headed up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a pre-dinner drink and dinner. 

They were right – it is a very nice place to spend the evening – attested to by the hundreds of other people who had the same idea.  Every wedding party came for photos (being Saturday afternoon) there was one come through every 15 minutes for a photo shoot for about 2 hours.  For the first time we had tea – typical Italian – Pam had lasagne, I had pizza all washed down with a little vino.

 We managed to stay until it was just about dark, took a couple of photos and headed home feet weary and ready for bed.

Ceiling of the Cathedral Babtistery

Afternoon drinks

The outdoor gallery

Reaching for the sky.

Trying to catch a plane.

Arno River at night.

Cathedral at night from Piazzale Michelangelo

David under the stars.