I was lucky enough to visit Florence, on a shore excursion whilst I was on my Royal Caribbean cruise, I found it the most amazing and emotional place. I have always wanted to visit Italy, so it felt like a dream come true to at last be there.
In this post I am going to showcase (hopefully) through my photographs, the amazing history of Florence, through its buildings, architecture, and sculpture. I was however, also absolutely blown away by the art in the Museums such as the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery. The art work took my breath away, priceless art pieces, that I had only seen before in books, or on the internet, I actually saw first hand…amazing! Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photographs, so as my guide suggested, take the photographs with your eyes, and imprint them in you heart….I love that.
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts. Even on a dullest day the bridge looks so striking. The old bridge also carries Vasari’s elevated corridor linking the Uffizi to the Medici residence (Palazzo Pitti), which you can see in the below photograph.
Though going on a shore excursion is fast paced, it really does give you an incredible in site into the area. This was our guide for Florence, and later Pisa. Her knowledge of Art was incredible, and I adored her passion.
Benvenuto Cellini’s 1545 bronze sculpture of Perseus with the head of Medusa
I know it’s a gory statue, but I just loved that the infamous Medusa, whose head turns men to stone was so appropriately surrounded by three huge marble statues of men: Hercules, David and Neptune. I was an incredibly impressive square.
East doors, or Gates of Paradise, by Lorenzo Ghiberti. I could’n’t capture a photograph of the full door as it was so busy.
As we rounded the corner to this, Florence’s Cathedral, even on the busiest street, full of tourist, and shoppers, the intake of breath from my fellow passengers from the ship was audible. It is amazing, and I honestly can not do it justice. I found it so powerful I cried when I saw it, what an incredible building.
It was the details too, as we walked along the streets, so easy to miss.
Florence was a fabulous city to visit. I don’t think I will ever forget how powerful the architecture, monuments and art work was.
Next stop Pisa…
Mammasaurus says
Ahhh you are doing it to me again! I want to go!!!!!
Amanda Cottingham says
I wish you had been!
Penny says
Oh my, I am filling up to burst with that feeling only Italy can give me. It is so breathtaking. I am gutted we missed Florence, but we were worn out from Rome – how about we live though each other’s posts? This post really made me feel it – stunning pics!
Amanda Cottingham says
thank you Penny, I feel completely in head over heels for the place! Yes, definitely, I can’t ait to read yours, especially Rome!
maggy, red ted art says
Ooh I went to Florence for my birthday one year… (goodness, almost 10years ago??!? Eeep). You take beautiful photos!
Amanda Cottingham says
Did you go the the Galleries and Museums, I could go again tomorrow Maggie! Thank you x
Liz Burton says
Wow wow wow Amanda. Your photos take me right there. So beautiful.
Amanda Cottingham says
Thank you so much, I’m so pleased I transported you there! *beams*
Stacey Corrin says
Florence has always been a place that I’ve wanted to visit and your photos make me want to go there even more! It’s the art history that holds the allure for me, as well as the beautiful architecture.
Amanda Cottingham says
Oh the Art work really was mind blowing, I have never seen such amazing Art, I REALLY wanted to take photographs, but couldn’t. I missed the change to buy a Museum Art book whilst I was there too 🙁
otilia says
Florence. Never visited it but always wanted to. Your beautiful pictures just make want to visit it even more.
Amanda Cottingham says
Thank you, and you really must! 🙂
Emma says
Gorgeous photos! I have travelled extensively through Italy, but I have yet to make it to Florence, looking forward to it now! 🙂
Amanda Cottingham says
Yay, so pleased!
Pinkoddy says
I have always wanted to go to Italy and we nearly went to Pisa for our 10th Anniversary – but for one reason or another we didn’t. Now I see this, how amazing it all is in Italy and really regret it – shall put back on top of my list. You have captured it so well – can’t wait to see your Pisa post.
Sonya Cisco says
It looks stunning, my folks have visited several times and rave about it, definitely on my list for when we can escape the kids for a weekend!
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer says
Crikey I thought we were looking at Venice for a while! Have never seen pics like this of Florence – absolutely stunning job Amanda. Really beautiful.