Florence (Days 6-10)

We've spent the last 3 days in Florence, exploring the sites and eating our way through the city. I'm so lucky to have had many friends who have spent time abroad and have shared their wealth of knowledge with me for this trip! On top of seeing Florence we also took a couple day trips from Florence, which I'll include in separate posts (unclear if they'll be posted before or after this).

Site Highlights:

Santa Croce

A beautiful, medieval church that is home to the burial grounds of some very famous people (Michelangelo, Gallileo, and Dante to name a few). While I was a little underwhelmed, (remember: I just saw Sagrada Famillia) it was nice to see a typical Florentine church. 

The exterior of the church

Interior of the church with beautiful stain glass behind the altar

Tomb of Gallileo, note the mathematical tools that the goddesses on either side are holding.

Galleria delfi Accademia

The David. That is all.

Galleria delgi Uffizi

More Renaissance period art. There were a couple beautiful Boticelli pieces but I unfortunately took photos on my camera so I won't be posting those now :(

View from the gallery

Another gallery view

Pilazzo Michelangelo

Probably the most beautiful view that we had in Florence! A nice long, very hilly walk, but totally worth the hike.

It's REALLY sunny out here.

Boboli & Bardeni Gardens

The gardens of the Medicci family, on the grounds of their palace (Pitti Palace). They weren't in bloom when we visited, but I can only imagine how beautiful they are when they're in bloom.

A single flower.

Food Highlights:

Honestly, where to start?? The food has been on point the entire time!!

7 Brothers, a serve-your-own gelateria that reminded me a lot of fro-yo places at home.

Osteria Giovanni, Dad's favorite spot. We dined on a variety of meat (rabbit, suckling pig, tuna) and pasta (pear and pecorino ravioli, a Florintine fave). The biscotti was to die for.

4Leoni (recommended by Hannah), very delicious. We had salad and pasta. Wish I would've ordered the plain spaghetti because it looked wonderful.

Perche No! was another good gelato place, but not as good as Gelateria Piti (which was my favorite for Nutella/Mint gelato and was recommended by my friend Mackenzie). Recommended by the concierge at our hotel. 

Pizza Gusto (recommended by Hannah and Mackenzie) was probably the best pizza I had. We didn't get heart shaped pizza but all was forgiven when I tasted the pie.

Il Profeta (recomended by Mackenzie) had the best olive oil I've ever had and some very nice Chianti Classico. We also enjoyed the John Travolta special which was what he ate when he visited the restaurant.

All'antico Vinaio (recommended by Hannah and Mackenzie). Amazing paninis. We had a prosciutto and salami, although I can't say what else was on either since the guy just made them after the meat selection.

In summary, things I've had the best of my life in Florence: Gelato, Biscotti, Tuna, Pesto, Tortellini, Pizza, Olive Oil, and Panini. Not bad for one city.

Italy has been lovely, and I'm very excited to begin the last leg of my Italian journey in Rome over the next few days. See ya in 3 days Aspen!