Day Three

No doubt you are overwhelmed with the spectacular beauty Florence has shown you so far; it is hard to believe there is so much more to see. Begin your third day by touring the Palazzo Vecchio, by far the most famous and grand palace in Florence. Once home to the Medicis, it operates today as a government building, though much of it is open to the public. It dates back to the 13^th century and is architecturally marked by its imposing 308-foot tall tower. You can stroll the Hall of the 500 and view the Vasari frescos. The palazzo also contains numerous other significant artworks, including Michelangelo’s Victory.

 

Make your way through town to visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels. The Brunelleschi-designed Basilica di San Lorenzo is where the Medici family attended church in the heyday of the Renaissance. The Medici Chapels contain the tombs of the legendary Medici family. Of particular note are Michelangelo’s famous sculptures, Dawn, Dusk, Night, and Day. Dawn and Dusk adorn Lorenzo the Magnificent’s tomb, which was revolutionary in a time when tomb sculptures were usually angels.

 

If you haven’t seen enough art yet, visit the Museo di San Marco, a small museum containing the works of the 15^th century Florentine painter, Fra Angelico. He worked under the patronage of Cosimo dei Medici, producing such works as The Annunciation, and The Last Judgment. An interesting aside: the hazelnut-flavored Italian liquor, Frangelico, is named after the famous friar.

 

If you have had your fill of museums and artworks, consider a little retail therapy on your final afternoon. The Ponte Vecchio is famous for its jewelry stores, selling fine gold pieces. Antique shopping can be done on Via Maggio, as well as Borgo Ognissanti. Via dei Tornabuoni is the area’s largest shopping district. Florence’s most famous market is the Straw Market (Piazza del Mercato Nuovo). Not only can you find straw goods, but leather goods, linens, and hand-painted boxes are plentiful as well. This is the best part of town for purchasing remembrances of your glorious time in lovely Florence.

 

You may be exhausted, but you are no doubt inspired. As you make plans to leave, promise yourself you will return one day to soak up more of Florence’s vibrant free spirit and creative energy. Have a wonderful dinner at any one of the town’s fine restaurants before you go, and sadly bid adieu to the glorious home of the Renaissance.