Italy : First time in Italy Part 2

As promised, from my previous post about Italy, I'll talk about Florence next but before that I'll post about Pisa first.

PISA.

Still December of 2010.

Pisa, by yours truly

top of the leaning tower of pisa

After Rome, we boarded our chartered bus bound for Tuscany. Once there, we transferred to a local bus that carried us onward to Pisa. From the drop-off point, we walked toward the entrance of the old town, where souvenir stalls lined the streets like a welcoming committee of tourist temptation.

Do yourself a favor and pick up one of those iconic leaning mugs, or better yet, a leaning shot glass. You won’t find them anywhere else, and they make a perfect gag gift. After all, it’s not every day you get to drink from a shot glass that looks perpetually tipsy. 🍸

top of the leaning tower of pisa

the narrow stairs you had to
climb 

   As you approach the entrance, have your camera ready. The arched gateway makes a perfect natural frame for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, assuming, of course, you get lucky and catch a brief, miraculous moment when no one is blocking the arch. Patience is key. Once you’ve captured your shot, head inside.

At the time of our visit, the Leaning Tower of Pisa had reopened to the public, but access was tightly controlled: only 20 people are allowed in at a time, for 30-minute intervals. If you choose to make the climb (as the hubby-boyfriend-then once did), brace yourself for 294 tight, spiraling steps. The ascent is both a workout and a bit of a head-spinner, yet entirely worth it for those inclined to trace Galileo Galilei’s footsteps (literrally), one tilted step at a time. It’s science, sweat, and history bundled into one gloriously crooked staircase, an experience my physicist of a husband was absolutely adamant about checking off his list.

Tickets can be purchased in advance and must be booked at least 16 days, but no more than 45 days, before your visit through www.opapisa.it, or you can buy them in person at the box office in Piazza dei Miracoli. Advance tickets cost €17 and guarantee a specific entry time. Tickets bought at the box office are €15, but availability to climb the tower that day is not guaranteed.

One important thing to note: all bags must be checked before entering. That includes backpacks, umbrellas, and yes, even the tiniest purse. Bag deposit is located along the north side of Piazza dei Miracoli. The good news? Cameras are allowed, so you won’t miss documenting your slightly tilted triumph.

bells inside the leaning tower of pisa

view from the top of the Tower of Pisa

Trivia: It was in the Tower of Pisa that Galileo dropped two balls (of different masses) to demonstrate that their time of descent was independent of their mass (more here).


FLORENCE.

Home of Michael Angelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Well almost.

 When we first entered the city the first thing that we saw was  a church called Basilica of Santa Croce. It was in the middle of what looks to me is a piazza (which looks empty that time). If you walk away from the Basilica you will find stores after stores selling leather goods (jackets, pants, gloves, etc). Welcome to Florence! The leather goods supplier!

If you walk further and proceed to the first street to your left (if your back is on the Basilica of Santa Croce) that will lead you to where the more exciting part is!

the intricate facade of piazza del duomo

Florence is like a huge outdoor museum. With huge sculptures all over the place. And their Piazza del Duomo? It’s mammoth in scale, and there’s no denying the intricacy of its details, inside and out. Every angle feels intentional, every surface a testament to craftsmanship. As someone who loves architecture, both old and new, a place like this genuinely thrills me. That said, even if architecture isn’t usually your thing, I’m convinced you’ll still find Piazza del Duomo deeply fascinating. Some places just command your attention, whether you planned on giving it or not. Old stones have that effect.

Here's more information about it.

gates of paradise

Facing Piazza del Duomo is the Baptistery of St. John, home to the famous bronze doors known as the Gates of Paradise. The name feels perfectly fitting, if there were ever an entrance meant to usher you toward something divine, this would be it.

Overall, I truly loved the atmosphere in Florence. I’m not sure whether that calm charm was because we visited in December, during the off-peak season, or because not enough tourists fully appreciate just how extraordinary this city is. Either way, the experience felt unhurried and intimate. This is especially true for anyone interested in sculpture, my sister-in-law, for instance (my husband’s sister), would be absolutely captivated. In fact, we’re already considering a return trip, just so we can bring her along.

Some cities impress you. Florence quietly convinces you to come back.

If you're looking for a good walking tour for Florence try this.


note: all photos are from yours truly...please be respectful and do not use without permission..