Florence (Firenza)

Our train trip from Montecatini Terme to Florence for a day excursion did not go without mishap.  Though we planned as best as we could our train ride sent us off in the wrong direction, we quickly corrected.  A short enjoyable train ride dropped us off at the Florence railway station.  We swam along with the busy crowd of people into the gigantic main corridor of the station.  From there we proceeded to hug the walls like intimidated first graders in any El-hi school situation.  Trying desparately to maintain some sense of dignity we hugged the walls and crept forward.  Suddenly I noticed the wall seemed to open up and an apparition appeared in front of me.:

“Hi my name is Angelo, I will be your guide.”

Angelo quoted a price.

The group of four huddled for a discussion, it was a go for one hour.  Later we settled for two more hours and a good tip.

Angelo’s route took us through some very scenic districts en route to Michelangelo’s (Piazzale) Square, where the copy of David stands.  On the back of the hill is the Church of San Miniato al Monte.  Looking out across the river Arno your view is of The Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and the other architectural marvels.

We were then transported down into the city in Angelo’s BMW van.  Dropping us off at the market we were instructed to go and rub the snout of “The Porcellino” , a brass boar statue for good luck.

We entered the square around the ‘Duomo’ and were greeted with the beauty and immensity of the structure.  A tour around and a few well chosen photos and we were whisked off to another of Angelo’s choice spots.

Nearby the ‘Hospital Innocenti”, we encountered a very interesting situation.  We had heard about it but it may have been timing on Angelo’s part, it was Sunday, the church doors swung open and a procession emerged.  A cavalcade of men carrying the altar piece on their shoulders, led by a priest waving a psalter full of incense followed by a brass band and the entire congregation marched down the street.  It was pageantry in the making.

So many delightful views and exhibitions of architectural splendor,  The Basilica of Santa Croche, the towers, the church of SS Annunzziata all beautiful examples of a grandiose style.

There was so much to see of the exteriors we had no time for the interiors and then there is the fine art and the ceramics.  All of that must wait for the next time.