We made a reservation to see Michelangelo's David, at the Accademia, at 11:45. We drove into Montevarchi at about 9:30, and found no parking near the train station. And in air traffic terms, we weren't the only ones "stacked and circling". Every conceivable spot, official or not, had a tiny car wedged into it. After driving around for several minutes we found a spot on the street, but it was about 1/2 mile away.
When we got to the station, we discovered that the next train wasn't leaving until 11:15. Our landlady's husband didn't mention that the frequent trains ran only during rush hour. We waited around for 90 minutes, having a drink at the little cafe near the station, plus using the W.C., of course. The bathrooms at the train stations always cost money, and often had the additional attraction of spraying disinfectant all over the room after the paying occupant leaves. I've been in the vicinity when someone else sneaks in on the heels of the departing patron, without paying, only to have the spray feature activate while they're inside. Lesson learned.
We arrived in Florence about 12:30 and headed out to find the Accademia. By the time we arrived, with a little confusion, as per usual, it was about 1:15. I asked the guard at the door about the likelihood of getting in so late, and he said, no problem! Amazing! Can you imagine this attitude in the U.S.? The ticket booth was across the street, and there too, our lateness was not an issue.
We bypassed the long line and got in. Accademia is a nice little museum, with lots of other sculptures in addition to the statue of David. Why on earth photography isn't allowed is a mystery. I don't think the statues are affected by flashes of light, like the paintings might be.
Michelangelo's statue of David, courtesy of Wikipedia
The statue dates from 1501, when Michelangelo was only 26 years old. It stood outside, at the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio, for over 300 years. In the late 1800's it was moved indoors. The museum also houses Michelangelo's Prisoners, St. Matthew, and a Pieta.
We found a cafe for lunch, and sat for a bit. Although this should re-energize us, some of us would like a nap after a glass of wine in the middle of the day. After all, that's what the Italians would do!
Next stop was the Duomo. The fascinating thing about this church is that it was built with a big hole in its roof, awaiting the development of the technology to erect the dome. The designers and builders were confident that someone would eventually rise to the challenge, and sure enough, Brunelleschi did. Construction on the church began in 1296, and the dome was completed in 1436.
Florence's Duomo
The exterior of the actual dome
The interior of Brunelleschi's dome
On the way back to the station Becky and I decided to stop in and see the Church of Santa Maria Novella. It was beautiful too.
Inside the 13th century Church of Santa Maria Novella
So many altars
More gold than you can shake a stick at
The sacristy - designed and built between the 16th and 17th centuries
Crucifix by Giotto
We hopped the train out to Montevarchi, and the guys ventured out to find the cars. It took a while to navigate the one-way streets of town to get back to the station and pick us up. There was a Coop grocery store right next to the station, so we picked up a few things for dinner, and were on our way back to the house.
We had a simple pasta dinner, and tried to use up any leftovers. Tomorrow we leave beautiful Tuscany.
Emmett and Marco arranging the display
Display of our sampling of local specialties for the week
We'll probably get a "thank you" note from the vintners and brewers association of greater Tuscany.
No comments:
Post a Comment