Florence - Day 32

Today we take the more scenic route to visit Piazzale Michelangelo. The number 12 takes us from Florence station around the Fort and up through the hills. Although the trip is longer the view is still something not to be missed.



There's actually a camping ground in there!







There seems to be a few fires in the distance giving a distinctly hazy look to the view.



The other copy of David takes centre spot in the Piazzale but it seems only the pigeons are interested.



This one was particularly stunned.



While we were here, just down below a fashion shoot was underway - here's a sneak peek at what's in store



It was most interesting to see just how many people are involved



Curtis was particularly interested in the photo shoot and eventually we managed to drag him away.



Crossing the Arno our next destination was the Basilica di Santa Croce.

It costs €5 to visit inside the church, the cloisters and the museum and this helps towards its restoration. The only thing they ask is that you don't use flash but as we soon find out, this obviously is too much to ask of some people. What really ticked us off, is that the majority of the flash culprits are from the mindless groups of sheeple with guides and the guides don't bother to ensure that their charges comply with the rules.



Left: Tomb of Carlo Marsuppini
















Tomb of Michelangelo




Cenotaph to Dante




Tomb of Niccolo Machiavelli




Tomb of Rossini




Left: Tomb of Vittorio Alfieri
Centre: Tomb of Leonardo Bruni
Right: Annunciation by Donatello (1435)

















The Sacristy



The First Cloister


The Second Cloister




Pazzi Cappella, designed by Brunelleschi

For lunch, we head to the Ristorante Fagioli, where I have enjoyed a wonderful lunch previously.

For starters Curtis and Leigh have the Bruschette with Tomato and Basil and we have the Crostini con Fegato.

For mains



Curtis enjoys the Involtini Gigi




Leigh orders the Polpette



Paalo loves his dish of really meaty Salsicce infused with a great grill taste



Me - Bocconcini of Veal with a white wine and mushroom sauce - wonderfully tender bites of veal in a rich sauce, greedily sopped up with lashings of bread



For sides we enjoy Fagioli and Patate



For dessert we all can't go past the Torta di Pere - still warm and soft and filled with slices of sweet pear. We could have all gone a second slice of this!

After a big day we head back to our respective abodes - Curtis and Leigh preparing for their trip tomorrow.