Our first afternoon in Florence started with a drive into the town of Florence from our hotel. Santa Croce was the drop-off location for our walking tour today. We were hopeful the rain would not return, but most of us brought our umbrellas, all the same. Coats were a necessity because the temperature was chilly, even more so with the dampness in the air.
Santa Croce is the place where Michelangelo, Gallileo, and Macchiavelli were emtombed and memorialized. The dome was a fantastic site to see. The church dates from the 1200's but has been substantially restored many times, most especially after the horrible flood on November 4, 1966 when the water reached 10-15 feet up the walls.
When we left the church it was thundering and lightning, so we all broke out our umbrellas and followed our guide, Tanya through the narrow streets toward the City Hall. All around were signs of the advanced age of the city including ancient fountains with faded portraits of men or animals. It was near the City Hall that we were able to see the statue of Perseus, a copy of David and Neptune, and many bronze statues. From there we headed to the Duoma, the iconic dome in the middle of the city of Florence with the exceptionally huge bronze doors with panels that depict the commandments. During our walk, Tanya pointed out some of the towers of the city where some resided and eventually added on narrow passageways between the towers/building.
Did I mention that we were all cold and wet? David's warning about wearing study-soled shoes was great advice.
When we had viewed the Duomo, we all decided to visit a gelato shop to wait out the storm. The gelato was delicious! Marianne was impressed with the chocolate mousse flavor, Martone with butterscotch, Chrystal with Tiramasu and we all enjoyed the nice break from the weather.
Tanya called our driver and had him meet us near the shop and take us to the large square in town that is adjacent to good shopping and the famous Pontevecchio bridge. David and I stayed in the bus as our feet and backs had enough walking on uneven ground for one day. Once the rest had walked across the famous bridge and resisted the high-end Florence shopping temptations, we headed back to Il Salviatino in our bus.
The staff were waiting to greet us when we arrived. I cannot imagine how many staff this small resort hotel has on their payroll because they are everywhere. We all met later in the bar for drinks and hor 'deurves that included sun-dried tomatos, green olives, nuts, and biscotti. Hot hor 'deurves included pate', a seafood pastry, fried parmasan cheese ball, and cannaloni. An hour later, we were seated in the dining room and proceeded to have a great meal of assorted appetizers, pasta, entrees, and desserts. All those that wanted were treated to Prosecco, Red or White Wine and even Port for dessert.
Off to bed we all went around 11 pm.
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