WanderLex

Tag: Firenze

  • Piazzale Michelangelo and Osteria dell Agnolo

    Piazzale Michelangelo and Osteria dell Agnolo

    Piazzale Michelangelo is well-known for its stunning panoramic view of Florence. And as mentioned in my previous post, one great place to capture the entire Duomo here. The Piazzale is easily located, sitting on a hilltop on the other side of Arno River. It’s rather easy to reach here by foot but I think the steep walk up the hill maybe challenging for some. Those who choose not to walk can take either bus number 12 or 13 from Santa Maria Novella Train Station.

    And so we crossed a bridge, turn left and kept walking alongside the river until we see the path leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo. All these while passing by the gorgeous Ponte Vecchio.

    Ponte Vecchio

    Across Ponte Vecchio

    Bridge across Arno River

    It’s a nice change to see some greenery when walking up the path since you don’t get to see that in the Historic centre. We were surprised that the Piazzale is after all a big open space carpark with many vendors selling anything from refreshments to souvenirs. But the view here is absolutely stunning! Everybody gotta be here when in Florence!

    Piazzale-Michelangelo

    Greenery at Piazzale

    We get to see Florence’s important landmarks with the Tuscan hills as a scenic backdrop.

    Duomo from Piazzale

    The view from Piazzale

    View of Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo

    There’s yet another replica of Michelangelo’s famous David statue at the centre of the square/ carpark.

    David at Piazzale Michelangelo

    Taking a coffee break after the long walk up…

    Coffee break at Piazzale Michelangelo

    San Miniato al Monte near Piazzale Michelangelo

    Located near to Piazzale Michelangelo is a Romanesque church, San Miniato al Monte. It’s known to be a popular wedding venue. We didn’t see any that day so we just check out the interior of San Miniato al Monte.

    San Miniato al Monte

    Outside San Miniato al Monte

    Interior of San Miniato al Monte

    Inside San Miniato al Monte

    Dining at Osteria dell Agnolo

    We got attracted to Osteria dell Agnolo exterior décor while wandering along the crowded street of Borgo San Lorenzo. I mean, look at that stuff that they hung on their display window! A friendly waiter greeted us and urged us to try their food which we did while hoping that the food will be good.

    Osteria dell Agnolo

    The atmosphere inside Osteria dell Agnolo was great, it’s always nice to be in a restaurant where the locals go to. This family-owned dining place seems to have a long-dated history according to what I read on their menu. But of course, all we care is whether the food will be yummy or not.

    Osteria dell Agnolo menu

    History of Osteria dell Agnolo

    Pizza counter in Osteria dell Agnolo

    The decision turned out to be a great one – food was one of the best Italian meal we had during our trip especially the pizza and seafood pasta.

    Pizza at Osteria dell Agnolo

    Seafood Pasta at Osteria dell Agnolo

    We liked the food so much that we had our dinner at Osteria dell Agnolo for three nights. We also tried their fried pigeon, orange duck and wild boar too. Reasonable price, great atmosphere accompanied by tasty food, what more can we ask for?

    Dinner at Osteria dell Agnolo

    Meal at Osteria dell Agnolo

    Meals at Osteria dell Agnolo

    Pasta at Osteria dell Agnolo

    Tomato Soup at Osteria dell Agnolo

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    What are your thoughts about Piazzale Michelangelo or Osteria dell Agnolo in Florence? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • Charming Florence

    Charming Florence

    Our next pit stop is Florence, a lovely city with dazzling rich history. I prefer its Italian name – Firenze than its English counterpart. Especially when I came across the Chinese translation 翡冷翠 by Chinese poet Xu Zhimo (徐志摩) in one of his poems. Firenze or Florence, this glorious city warrants a visit for any travellers to Italy. The birthplace of Italian Renaissance which championed the all-important cultural movement which had shaped Europe we know today. The movement had produced fine Renaissance arts which cemented Florence’s status as an artistic hub. One artist who left a legacy was none other than Michelangelo.

    This city exudes a nice, unhurried and unmistakable old-world charm, making it one of my favourite places in Italy. The ongoing modernization had not disrupted that – thank goodness. Even the busy Santa Maria Novella Train Station is damn old school.

    Santa Maria Novella Train Station

    There’s no Metro in Florence so the best way to explore the city centre is by foot since it’s not a big place, to begin with. The area around Piazza del Duomo is vehicle-free, making it a breeze to walk around.

    Piazza del Duomo

    Around Piazza del Duomo

    Vendors

    Tool of David

    The Impressive Florence Duomo

    Upon reaching Via de Cerretani, the distinctive Duomo stands out from the surrounding buildings, especially its dome. Perhaps the most famous structure in Florence, officially known as the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. The huge cathedral with its majestic dome is a sight to behold, which explained why it’s featured in almost all the postcards.

    Duomo Dome

    Florence Duomo

    It’s kinda impossible to capture the whole of Duomo with the close proximity to the surrounding shops and restaurants. I suppose the best place to view the cathedral is from Piazzale Michelangelo.

    Florence Duomo at sunset

    Next to the cathedral are the Bell Tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.

    Bell Tower

    I would think everybody ought to take a look at the impressive ‘Gates of Paradise’ at the east doors of the baptistery, with each bronze panel tells a story from the Old Testament. The current door is, of course, a replica but who cares? It still looks stunning.

    Baptistery of San Giovanni

    Gates of Paradise

    Piazza della Signoria

    A short walk from Piazza del Duomo brings us to Piazza Della Signoria. Here’s where the art lovers queue to visit the famous Uffizi Gallery but I ain’t one of them. Piazza Della Signoria by itself is already like a free open-air museum with many sculptures. So I just admire those sculptures especially the invincible David’s statue – Replica. The original Michelangelo’s masterpiece is being kept in Galleria dell’Accademia, further north of the Duomo, which I didn’t visit for I’m certain that I can’t tell the differences between the two – money saved LOL.

    Piazza della Signoria

    Sculptures at Piazza della Signoria

    Palazzo Vecchio

    Fountain of Neptune, The Rape of the Sabine Women, Hercules and Cacus, David.

    Fountain of Neptune

    The Rape of the Sabine Women

    Hercules and Cacus

    David at Piazza della Signoria

    It’s a good place for a cup of hot chocolate or gelato and people watch while waiting for your female companion who will already be swarming into the Chanel Boutique by then. Well, at least the Piazza is filled with great looking buildings and sculptures to kill the boredom LOL.

    Street

    Street Performer

    Carousel

    Nice Crest

    STAY: Hotel Kursaal Ausonia review

    We spent 3 nights at Hotel Kursaal Ausonia and thought the double room was adequate for a good night rest. The overall experience was far from pleasant. Do take note that the reception area is on the 3rd floor. And during our stay, the lift malfunctioned and can only stop at the 2nd level so I have to carry the luggage up and down the stairs during check-in and out.

    Prior to my booking, I emailed the hotel asking whether Free Wifi was provided and the reply was yes. So I was very annoyed when one grumpy old man told me otherwise that I have to pay for Wifi upon checking in. The staffs that we met are neither friendly nor helpful with the exception of one young gentleman. No free city map was given as they sell it for 5 Euros at the reception and the free breakfast is nothing to shout about.

    The saving grace was that Hotel Kursaal Ausonia is a 15 min walk from Firenze SMN Station and also within close distance to San Lorenzo and the Duomo. But then again, there are many hotels along the same street too. So, will I stay here again? Not a chance!

    Hotel Kursaal Ausonia room

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    What are your thoughts about Florence aka Firenze? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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