ROME-FLORENCE

‘VENI, VIDI, VICI’

Julius Caesar began his letter to the Roman Senate reporting his victory after the Battle of Zela with the above address. This brief and concise statement can be interpreted not only as an indication of the magnitude of Caesar’s triumph but also as a reflection of his military skill and his disdain for the Senate, representing the most powerful faction in the Roman Republic during the ongoing civil war. Rome, like this expression, encompasses many values: traditional, historical, religious, magnificent, delicious…

Reaching Rome Termini station from the airport by train is extremely easy. The first thing to do at the station should be to get the Roma Pass. This is useful for transportation and provides free entry to 2 museums (besides Termini station, it is also available at Leonardo da Vinci Airport Terminal C, Piazza Pia in front of Castel Sant’Angelo, in front of Santa Maria Maggiore, and at Fontana di Trevi, the Trevi Fountain square). It is also possible to explore the city with open buses, but as avid walkers, exploring the city on foot is the best option.

DAY 1-ROME

Our first destination is the S. Maria Maggiore Church near Termini train station. According to legend, in the year 352, Pope Liberius dreamt of the Virgin Mary, who asked him to build a church on the hill where snow fell. Despite the hot summer, on August 5th, snow fell on Esquilino Hill, and the church was built there. Every August 5th, ceremonies are held at this church, and during the ritual, white rose petals representing snow are thrown from the ceiling. It is also said that the decorations on the ceiling use gold brought from America by Columbus. We walked – albeit a bit of a long way – to our hotel, ‘Hotel Bolivar.’ This old but renovated hotel has a strategic location, within walking distance of everywhere.

Our next stop is the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The Pantheon is an ancient pagan temple built in the 20s BCE. It was originally constructed as a temple for all the gods of ancient Rome. It is the best-preserved building of its kind and likely the best-preserved building of its time in the world. Although the design of the surviving building is generally attributed to Apollodorus of Damascus, the architect of Trajan, it is also possible that it belongs to Emperor Hadrian or his architects. Used as a Christian church since the 7th century, the Pantheon is the oldest concrete-domed building in Rome. The dome, with a diameter and height of 43 meters, has a hole in the middle called Oculus, meaning eye in Latin. This hole serves to illuminate the interior and allows those in the temple to contemplate the sky; it is also designed in such a way that even when it rains, the inside remains dry. If you wonder what happens to the rain that enters, look carefully at the floor; it is expelled through 22 holes that are not easily noticed at first glance. The use of concrete for such a large dome remains a question mark given the technology of that time. Continuing from here, we reached Navona Square which is an oval-shaped square is built on the ruins of an ancient stadium. The square features three fountains, two small ones (Neptune and Moor Fountains) and one large (Fountain of the Four Rivers), all of which are works of art. The most famous and ambitious is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), a work by Bernini. The rivers Nile, Danube, Ganges, and Rio de La Plata represent Africa, Europe, Asia, and America, respectively. We then walked to Campo de Fiori, enjoying the vibrant and crowded atmosphere of this lively area of the city.

In the second part of the day, there was the archaeological section where we would explore the remnants of the greatest works that make Rome “Rome”. We visited the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum in the city center. We reached the Colosseum with the Blue Metro line. Colosseum Pass holders don’t need to wait in line for tickets! We walked from the beginning to the end of the long ticket line and smoothly passed through two Colosseum Pass access points, gliding through smoothly. We also used our first free entry here. After counting as one visit, the tickets for Palatine Hill and the Colosseum are the same. The Colosseum is a truly enchanting place, and its grandeur seen from the outside becomes even more impressive inside. The areas beneath the arena where lions and gladiators prepared, the high grandstand sections, and its capacity of 50,000 completed in AD 80 leave a profound impression. After exploring the interior, exterior, upper, and lower levels of the Colosseum, you can also check out exhibitions inside. One hour is sufficient for entering, exploring, and exiting the Colosseum. Inside and upon exiting the Colosseum, don’t forget to take a photo in front of the Arch of Constantine, which we saw when entering. Built in the 4th century AD and last restored in the 1990s, it is a very clean and impressive monument. Looking from the metro exit point towards the right of the Arch of Constantine, you’ll see the ancient road leading to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Palatine Hill is named after the region where Roman leaders and kings lived. Here, you can see state buildings, baths, and other ruins. It has a relatively elevated position compared to other points. To enter Palatine Hill, we showed our Roma Pass at the ticket office and entered for free. After exiting here, we reached the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum was the area where the ancient Roman people lived. Here, you can see imposing buildings, columns, and various remnants of the people’s activities. Entry is free! One hour is sufficient to explore these areas. The last stop! That’s probably enough for today, back to the hotel, and then a nice dinner in the evening.

DAY 2-ROME

Starting the day with a nice breakfast is always a good idea. From there, we walk towards Piazza Venezia. The monument you see at Piazza Venezia belongs to Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II. There is also the tomb of 11 unknown soldiers who died in World War I, hence the name “Unknown Soldier”. Next, we move on to the “romantic” part of Rome. Instead of following the tourist signs directing you to the “Fontana di Trevi” (Trevi Fountain), it might be more useful to use your map. You can reach it more directly, and the narrow streets you pass through during these shortcuts might catch your interest. What you encounter at the Trevi Fountain is something challenging to find elsewhere in the world. This masterpiece is truly enchanting. The Trevi Fountain, built by Nicolò Salvi on the side of the Poli Palace in a mixture of classical and baroque styles, is one of the world’s most famous fountains. It is named “Trevi” because it is located at the intersection of three roads, and there is also the claim that it is named after the three underground waterways that converge at this point. The general theme of the Trevi Fountain is the “sea”. A chariot shaped like a seashell, winged horses emerging from the sea pulling the chariot, and a mythological sea god inside the chariot constitute the subject of the view. The sculpture and architecture are beautifully harmonized. The history of the Trevi Fountain begins in the reign of Emperor Augustus and is based on the legend of a girl who showed soldiers searching for water the location of a spring. Augustus’s son-in-law Agrippa conveyed the flowing water to the Pantheon with the Vergine aqueduct. In the 8th century, it was restored by V. Niccolo, in the 12th century by 4. Paolo, and in the mid-15th century. It underwent a major renovation in 1998, cleaned, and its water system was renewed. The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain was revived after the restoration in 2014. It is a tradition to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. Turning your back and throwing the coin over your left shoulder without looking ensures the fulfillment of your wish:) The first coin is thrown to wish for a return to Rome, and it seems to happen – I threw and it worked. The second coin is for the wish you want to come true. The municipality collects these coins every evening, and they are used to help the poor. After the Trevi Fountain, we walk through ‘Via Delle Muratte’ and ‘Via San Andrea Delle Fratte’ streets towards the Spanish Steps. At the beginning of the stairs is the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat), a sweet water fountain made in the Baroque style in 1627 by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The shape of the fountain was chosen because the Tiber River sometimes overflowed, and in the flood of 1598, Piazza di Spagna was submerged under 1 meter of water. When the waters receded, a ship was found in the square. The Spanish Steps consist of 138 steps, and these stairs, built in 1723, are said to be the longest stairs in Europe. Don’t forget to find yourself a spot on the steps to enjoy the lively atmosphere and take some photos. This area is one of the most prone to theft in Rome, so be cautious with your belongings! As you descend the stairs, the street you see directly across houses all the famous brands you can find in Rome – for shopping enthusiasts, here’s your chance!

For the final excursion of the day, we visited one of the world’s most important art galleries, Galleria Borghese, located in the Villa Borghese area. It’s necessary to make a reservation for entry. The museum has specific entry times every two hours: 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, etc. We used the second free museum entry right of the Pass Card here. Cardinal Borghese was both a pleasure and entertainment enthusiast and a lavish art enthusiast. Fortunately for us, he was extravagant. He commissioned a series of sculptures from Bernini (thankfully he was extravagant…). The museum houses this valuable collection. Among the main works awaiting you inside are:

Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Enea e Anchises (1622-1625): Trojan Aeneas escapes from the Greek invasion during the siege of Troy. Aeneas is the son of Venus and Anchises. He seeks refuge in Rome, carrying his father on his shoulder and his son Ascanius.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Apollo e Dafne (1622-1625): The Sun God Apollo, chasing the woman he loves, Daphne, asks Earth to cover and hide her, who is now running out of strength. She transforms into a laurel tree. Apollo, looking at the tree where his loved one has turned, declares the laurel tree as his sacred tree. Bernini seems to have frozen time as Daphne transforms into a tree in this sculpture.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Ratto di Proserpina (1621-1622): The God of the Underworld (Hades) sees, likes, and kidnaps Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. According to the myth, once something is eaten in the underworld, it is impossible to return to the surface. Unaware of this, Persephone, in the underworld, eats a pomegranate seed. Demeter, whose daughter is kidnapped, is in despair, and with her sadness, the fertility of the earth disappears. People face famine. Finally, Zeus decides that Persephone will spend two-thirds of the year (flowering and fruiting time) with her mother Demeter and one-third (winter season) with her husband Hades. Thus, fertility returns to the earth. Every time Persephone comes to the surface, her mother brings spring to the earth. This sculpture is so amazing that you can’t believe it was made by human hands.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini – David (1623-1624): After the Prophet Moses, the Israelites were afflicted by a giant named Goliath. The only weak point of this giant was the center of his forehead. When Saul (the leader of the Israelites at that time) went to war with Goliath’s army and his army became weak, Prophet David emerged. He threw a stone at the center of Goliath’s forehead. The fallen giant’s throat was cut. Thus, the Israelites won the war. In this sculpture, David is depicted in his state before attacking Goliath. It is said that Bernini gave his own face to the statue.

Antonio Canova – Paolina Borghese (1805-1808): Napoleon’s sister Pauline posed as Venus for the sculptor Canova. Pauline’s husband locked this statue in a room and did not allow even Canova to enter.

After strolling through the vast park area of Villa Borghese, you can end the day by taking a tram to the Zaha Hadid-designed Maxxi Museum. This museum is proof of what modern architecture can achieve and the results of creative talent.

DAY 3- VATICAN

In the first half of the day, it’s time to explore the “Religious” Rome, and when you think of “Religious” Rome, the center of all Christianity comes to mind: the Vatican. The Vatican is an independent country, the smallest in the world, with a population of about 1,000. Visiting this “country” takes about 3-4 hours. Attention: It’s forbidden to enter the Vatican with short shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless t-shirts! Starting the day very early is crucial because the word Vatican redefines the word crowded—our motto: the early bird catches the worm! After a delightful breakfast, we took the red metro line to Ottaviano-S.Pietro Station. After getting off here, you can easily reach your destination by walking along Via Ottaviano towards Via Porta Angelica, where everyone is heading anyway. We chose to visit the Vatican Museums later, but you must buy the museum ticket online in advance.

Our first destination was St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. A Basilica is a special religious place (a church, monastery, etc.) built for individuals or named after them. When you arrive at the square, a huge dome (“cupola” from which they emit white smoke when a pope is elected) is looking at you, and statues of saints surround you. On the right and left of the square, there are two crescents formed by about 300 travertine columns each. In the middle of these crescents, there is an Egyptian obelisk. The entrance queue is extremely long, and those who manage to enter experience the joy of scoring the winning goal away in the 90th minute. First, we explored the interior of St. Peter’s Monastery. It’s an extraordinary work, one of the most splendid monasteries in Christian history. Inside, there are a few essential things to see. One of them is the Pieta. Michelangelo made this sculpture, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus in her arms. It is displayed in a distant glass section, and Michelangelo’s signature is on the Virgin Mary’s belt. This is his only signed work. Michelangelo completed this marble sculpture when he was only 25 years old. The other piece is a bronze statue of Saint Peter. It is said that Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to Saint Peter. This key passes from one pope to another. This statue is located under a red velvet chair where Jesus is said to sit when he returns to the world. Next, we went to the most exciting place; the Dome designed by Michelangelo. This dome, which is about 136 meters high, is yet to be seen in its final form. Under the dome, there is an altar made by Bernini, with four legs about 30 meters high. Underneath it, deep down, is the tomb of San Pietro. San Pietro is one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He also gives his name to the cathedral. In the vicinity, you will see a red velvet chair on which it is believed that Jesus will sit when he returns to the world. Pilgrims must pass through one of the doors in the church to become a pilgrim. The only problem is that this door opens once every 25 years. At that time, the Pope hits the wall symbolically with a hammer, and the door is demolished by the attendants. Those who pass through are considered pilgrims, their sins are forgiven, and these ceremonies are quite grand. After staying open for a year, the door is sealed again. The next opening is in 2025.

Now it was time for the dome. There is an elevator up to a certain point, but the real work starts after the elevator, with 350 steps. So, we passed on the elevator and hit the stairs. We caught our breath a bit in the central courtyard because the next 350 steps were quite exhausting. We passed through mystical stairs, so narrow that you could barely pass, and when we reached the inclined part of the dome, we experienced a quite different sensation with the wall slanting sideways. When we finished the climb, the view you would see – especially the Vatican Gardens – was endless. Also, Rome would be under your feet in 360 degrees. The Vatican also has its own post office. Vatican stamps are used here (a notice to those who are nostalgic for postcards). After wandering a bit more in St. Peter’s Square, we headed to the Vatican Museums (remember to buy the ticket online in advance).

The Vatican Museums consist of a long corridor in the shape of an inverted U. We started walking from the left. The Egyptian Museum, Raphael Rooms, paintings, sculptures, busts, mosaics, wall carpets, ceiling paintings, and many more. The Sistine Chapel is at the very end of the corridor. After visiting the chapel, we completed our tour from the right side of the corridor. The walls of the chapel feature frescoes created by artists of the 15th and 16th centuries. The most important of these is the Last Judgment, created by Michelangelo between 1534-1541. It is said to be the masterpiece of Michelangelo’s maturity. On the right and left of this masterpiece, there are 12 paintings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and Moses. The ceiling frescoes were created by Michelangelo between 1508-1512. Michelangelo created these frescoes lying alone on a special scaffold. The ceiling panels feature various paintings depicting Creation, Ancestors of Jesus, Prophets, Female Prophets, and Salvation Scenes from the Old Testament. The painting that will captivate you is “The Creation of Adam”. It is believed that in this fresco depicting God giving life to the first man, Michelangelo drew his own face as the face of God. The detail depicting the hands of God and Adam is the most important part of the fresco. Another point where you will admire Michelangelo’s genius, who has worked on human anatomy for years, is the depiction of the red cloak on the side of God and other details in the shape of the brain. It is believed that Michelangelo aimed to suggest that the concept of God is a belief system created by the human brain, and there is no need for any means to communicate between God and humans.

After leaving the magnificent atmosphere of the Vatican, the next stop is Castel Sant’Angelo. This cylindrical building was originally built as the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family in the early times (around the 2nd century AD). However, later (after the 4th century AD), it was used as a fortress for many years and a prison for some time. It is considered one of Rome’s safest fortresses. It is said that in case of danger, popes used to hide in this fortress because it was connected to the Vatican through a tunnel. Moreover, Cem Sultan, the son of Fatih the Conqueror, also stayed imprisoned in this fortress. The reason it is called the Castle of Angels is that, according to legend, an angel descended to the top of the fortress. There is currently an angel statue of Archangel Michael at the top of the castle. The entrance fee to the Castle of Angels is €7. The statues on Ponte Sant’Angelo, the only traffic-free bridge in front of the castle, were originally made by Raphael. Later, the statues were rebuilt by Bernini, commissioned by the Pope of that time.

FOOD and DRINK

You are in Italy… Forget about phrases like “I’m on a diet!” or “Oh, it’s summer ahead, we’ll wear a swimsuit, we need to be careful!” Indulge, relax, and enjoy the fantastic flavors. Pastas you didn’t eat in this world will find you in the other world and confront you!

Pinsere Roma: There is no pizza like this, don’t leave without trying pizza here.

Osteria Barberini: A must, but make sure to reserve because it’s a very small restaurant. Their specialty is truffle pasta. The flavors are incredible.

Osteria del Cavaliere: Very, very good.

Gelato: Some of the best according to online reviews are Gelateria Fatamorgana, Gelateria dell’Angeletto, Gelateria dei Gracchi, Gelateria Grom, Ciampini, Gelateria San Crispino, Gelateria del Teatro, Giolitti Gelateria, Come il Latte, Fior di Luna – I’ve personally tried some, give a chance to those you come across.

WARNINGS

DAY 4-FLORENCE

Florence, a small city with a population of about 400,000, can be reached from Rome Termini Station in approximately 1.5 hours using a high-speed train. Round-trip ticket prices are around €50, and you can find a train departing almost every hour. Let’s check that we have purchased our one-way ticket to Florence SMN Station and plan to return from this station. The abbreviation SMN comes from Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s largest churches, right next to the station. For accommodation, our preference is Relais Piazza Signoria. As the name suggests, it’s located at ‘Piazza della Signori.’ It has been converted from an old apartment into an aparthotel. Is there a better place for accommodation than being right next to the Uffizi Gallery and the old palace?

Our journey starts from the square. This square is where the famous copy of David is located, along with the copies of “Rape of Sabine Woman”, the bronze work “Perseus With the Head of Medusa” and many other works, whether real or copies. This square, where the old palace was built since 1299, has left its mark on the city. Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi define the boundaries of this square. Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) was built in 1299 by Arnolfo di Cambio and began to be used as the residence of the Medici family. In the courtyard of the building, there is a copy of Michelangelo’s “David” statue. The most important part of the palace is called the “Salone dei Cinquecento – Hall of the Five Hundred” where 500 members of the great council would gather. The hall features large frescoes depicting battle scenes. Guided tours can be a good choice to explore this place. Guided tours are organized in several ways: the Quartieri Monumentali tour takes about 1 hour and costs 14 euros, the Secret Passages tour also takes 1 hour and costs 14 euros, and the Orientation tour takes 1 hour and costs 12.5 euros. If you’ve read Dan Brown’s “Inferno” published in 2013, you can also trace the works mentioned in the book, such as the death mask in this palace.

Just south of the old palace structure, there is another magnificent art gallery: the Uffizi. The building was constructed between 1559 and 1581. Works by Botticelli, such as “The Birth of Venus” and “Spring” are exhibited here. In addition, you can see world-famous works by artists such as Raphael, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Titian, and Caravaggio (the creator of Bacchus and Medusa; looking at Medusa has always disturbed me). There are also paintings of Ottoman sultans in frames on the upper floor of the gallery.

In the afternoon, our first stop is Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). It is the city’s oldest bridge, built in the 14th century. Today, it houses many jewelry shops.

After the bridge, the next destination is Piazza de’ Pitti (Pitti Square) and Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace), which can be reached by walking from Piazza de’ Pitti street. The building was constructed in 1458 by wealthy merchant Luca Pitti and later sold to the Medici family in 1549, who ruled the city for 400 years. In the late 18th century, it was used for a while by Napoleon. Inside the building, there are five museums. Museum and palace entrances generally cost around 10 euros, but with the Firenze pass you can get entry to 30 places for 50 euros. The Galleria Palatine behind Pitti Palace exhibits Renaissance-era works from the 16th and 17th centuries that belonged to the Medici family. The Raphael collection is particularly noteworthy. Besides, the room decorated by Pietro da Cortona between 1637 and 1641, in a Baroque style, is also worth seeing. Optionally, after this, you can visit the Gallerie Del Costume Museum by taking the Piazza de’ Pitti-Piazza di San Felice street. This museum exhibits works related to Italian fashion history in 14 rooms.

Behind the blocks right across from Pitti Palace, there is a church. Santo Spirito Di Firenza is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture. The current church, built-in 1428, is on the remains of previously known church ruins. Inside the building, there are 38 semi-chapels. The most important one is the Bini-Copponi Chapel, adorned by Francesco Botticini. Another highlight of this church is Michelangelo conducting anatomical research on the corpses of people who came to the monastery hospital here and died. In return for allowing his research, he made a wooden cross statue on the high altar. Today, this wooden cross statue is preserved in the room where church items are kept in the left part of the church. Florence has other places to see, including Forte Belvedere (fortress), the Silver Museum, Museo Delle Porcellane, Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Hill), and the Museum of the History of Science. In addition to museums, you can go to Via Maggio Street for vintage clothes and items. Florence is also famous for its markets. At the San Lorenzo market, you can buy leather goods, accessories, and some local foods such as olive oil.

DAY 5-FLORENCE

We begin our day at Piazza Del Duomo (Cathedral Square). The grandeur of the cathedral is striking in contrast to the narrowness of the square. Our first stop is the Duoma (Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral, Florence Cathedral, Cathedral of Mary). It is the fourth-largest church in Europe in terms of size. Initially built by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio, the magnificent dome was later added by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dome is constructed with overlapping layers of bricks, making it stand out as the world’s largest brick dome until modern construction techniques were introduced. Construction started in 1295 and took 140 years to complete, finishing around 1435. The exterior is made of green, pink, and white marbles. Inside the cathedral, the sculpture “Pietro,” depicting the sorrow of the Virgin Mary, created by Michelangelo, is a must-see.

After the cathedral, we explore Giotto Campanile (Giotto’s Bell Tower). Built in 1334 by the renowned painter Giotto di Bondone, the artist employed his own design, light-shadow play, and various drawing techniques in the tower’s construction. The geometric patterns on the tower, made of white marble, were completed by the artist Carrara in 1337 after Giotto’s death. The tower stands on a 15-meter-high podium and rises to a height of 84.7 meters. The largest bell weighs 5300 kg and was made in 1705, while the smallest bell, weighing 237 kg, was made in 1956. To reach the tower’s observation terrace, you need to climb 414 steps — make sure to purchase your entrance ticket online in advance!

Next on our itinerary is the Santa Croce Church. Construction began in 1294, and the church is located in the Santa Croce Square, approximately 800 meters south of the Duomo. It serves as the burial place for some of the most famous Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, Rossini, and Marconi. Due to this, it is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories. We then move to the Florence Baptistry (Battistero Di San Giovanni), located right in the middle of the square. This small basilica, built between 1059 and 1128, is one of the city’s oldest structures with Romanesque architectural style. The relief sculptures on the bronze doors are noteworthy. The South doors were crafted by Andrea Pisano, one of Europe’s best bronze blacksmiths, over six years, while the North and East doors were created by Lorenzo in 21 years. The East door, made by Michelangelo, depicts the “Gates of Paradise” and the original doors are displayed in the museum. The interior of the Baptistry resembles the Pantheon temple in Rome. Optionally, you can visit the Museo Dell’opera Del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) right behind the cathedral structure to see the original doors. Next to the Baptistry, there is the Loggia Del Bigallo, exhibiting Gothic architectural features and built between 1352 and 1358.

From there, continue to Piazza di San Lorenzo by progressing along Via de’ Gori and taking the first left, then continuing via Via de’ Gori street. The significant monument in this crowded square, featuring a statue in the center, is the San Lorenzo Basilica. Constructed in 1420 by Brunelleschi, it was used as the mausoleum of Medici Cosimo. Michelangelo began the exterior design of the structure during its construction, but it was left unfinished. Afterward, the northern part of the city, where the museums are located, is our next destination.

First, via Via de’ Gori and then through 29 Via de Martelli, you can reach Piazza di San Marco. In the San Marco Museum here, be sure to see the frescoes painted by Ghirlandaio, especially “The Last Supper”. The museum’s main feature, however, is the architecture. Later, by walking along 19 Via Cesare Battishi, you can reach Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. In the center of the square, there is a statue and pools on either side. There are also two museums in the square. The Museo Nazionale-Bigallo Museum was built as a castle in the 13th century. Here, you can find 14th-century Florence mosaics and Donatello’s bronze sculptures, “David Statue” and “Druid”. Michelangelo’s works can be seen on the ground floor. The other museum is the Galleria Dell’accademia. The most important work in the museum is the “David” statue made by Michelangelo in 1503.

If your return day is Sunday, it might be a good idea to visit the flea market at Piazza Santo Spirito. Also, when you arrive at the station for your return, Santa Maria Novella church can be visited.

FOOD and DRINK

I highly recommend Taverna Del Bronzino, but be sure to make a reservation in advance. Trattoria Zaza won us over with its homemade pasta dishes and Mangiafoco Osteria Tartuferia with truffle pastas. Although not personally tried, other recommended places include Antica Trattoria “da Tito” since 1913, Osteria Vecchio Vicolo, and Buca Lapi (known as the best place for Florentine steak). Enjoy your dining experiences in Florence.