Florence, where arts flourished – Part 2

Florence has too many outstanding galleries so we chose to visit the tremendously popular Gallerie degli Uffizi (Uffizi Galleries). It holds the world's most important collection of Renaissance art - paintings from medieval to modern times and many antique sculptures, illuminations, and tapestries from artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and many other Italian masters.

Despite being there very early, there was already a long queue at Gallerie degli Uffizi

The galleries, seen from across the Arno River

From the galleries, it was just a short walk to the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). Built in 1345, it was Florence's first bridge across the Arno River and is the only surviving bridge from Florence's medieval days (others were destroyed in World War II). The Ponte Vecchio is still lined with shops selling gold and silver jewelry. From the bridge, great views along the Arno River and beyond can be seen.


We then took a looonnnnggg walk and hike up to Piazzale Michelangiolo on top of a hill. The breathtaking vista of the entire city, spread out in the valley below and backed by the green hills of beyond, made up for the strenuous hike. The monument to Michelangelo in the center of the piazza is made up of bronze replicas of David and his Medici chapel sculptures.

Florence's most famous man, again