Day 4 (12.4.2019) Florence Italy
6.30am morning call, 7.30am breakfast and 8.30am departure. Today we travel about 215km to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza and Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto Bell Tower and Door of Paradise.
Walking through Piazza della Signoria, we truly admire the fine monuments such as the Neptune Fountain, Replica of David and the incredible cache of sculptures located at the outdoor Logia del Lanzi, where you find other important works by Giambologna; including Ratto della Sabine and Hercules and Nessus.
Toilet fee everywhere is EUR1
Florence weather: Cloudy 9'C-15'C
Dinner at Buddakan, Largo Bargellini 7, 50122 Florence
Accommodation at 4 star hotel "Art Hotel Museo” Viale della Repubblica, Prato, Florence
7.30am breakfast at 4 star hotel "Art Hotel Museo” Florence.
Ching Jin Yuan and Catherine Oon taking breakfast at 4 star hotel "Art Hotel Museo” Florence.
Our 40 seat bus by Raf Trans company is a new Mercedes-Benz Tourismo combines maximum comfort and outstanding reliability.
Today we travel about 215km to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza and Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto Bell Tower and Door of Paradise.
We are now traveling 86km on highway A11 to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the city of Pisa.
Aqueduct of Nottolini, Lucca - The Aqueduct of Nottolini is a prominent Neoclassical architectural landmark near the city of Lucca, Italy. The 19th-century structure brought water to Lucca from the mountains south of the city through a stone channel supported by more than 400 arches, stretching for over 3km.
Ching Jin Yuan and Ching Neng Bin the only two person to walk 10 minutes from the bus parking area to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The rest by shuttle bus at EUR1 per person.
Walking pass the souvenir stores beside the Tower compound. Noticed that the stores are maned by Bangladeshi people who surprising can also speak Malay. They said that they had worked in Malaysia before.
Porta Santa Maria Pisa is the entrance gate to Piazza dei Miracoli, formally known as Piazza del Duomo, Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The huge crowd of people coming into Piazza dei Miracoli, formally known as Piazza del Duomo, Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Piazza dei Miracoli - The Pisa Baptistery (in front), the Pisa Cathedral (in the middle-ground), and the Leaning Tower of Pisa (in the background).
The Pisa Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building in Pisa, Italy.
Pisa Baptistery construction started in 1152 to replace an older baptistery, and was completed in 1363.
Pisa Cathedral is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy. Groundbreaking in 1063 and completed in 1092.
Pisa Cathedral is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, in particular the style known as Pisan Romanesque. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa.
In 1987, the Piazza dei Miracoli was declared a UNESCO World Heritage.
L-R: Catherine Oon, Joyce Tan, Pauline Toh, VA Allan and Dr Nancy Vilmert in Piazza dei Miracoli.
Ching Neng Bin and Ching Jin Yuan holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Catherine Oon holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Dr Nancy Vilmert holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Facts: Leaning Tower of Pisa is constructed in 1173 and finished in 1399. Original Height: 60m. Actual Height: 56.67m on the highest side; 55,86m on the lowest side. Stairs: 251 steps and Weight: 14,500 tonnes.
The 57m Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation.
Leaning Tower of Pisa comes into the story in 1173, when construction began. Thanks to the soft ground, it had begun to lean by the time its builders got to the third story in 1178. Shifting soil had destabilized the tower's foundations... It kept leaning more and more.
Ching Jin Yuan at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
La Fontana dei Putti on Piazza dei Miracoli with Angels.
La Fontana dei Putti on Piazza dei Miracoli with Angels.
2019 Panoramic view of Piazza dei Miracoli with the Pisa Baptistery of St. John, Pisa Cathedral and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Arno River from the center of Florence.
Bronze cast of David facing Florence in the center of Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square). “The square, dedicated to the Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo Buonarroti, has bronze copies of David and the four allegories of the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo.
The Piazzale Michelangelo is dedicated to the city's most famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti. At the center of the square stands a replica of his most famous statue, the David.
Bronze cast of David facing Florence at the center of Piazzale Michelangelo.
Dawn sculpture - Female Figure at Base of David Statue, Piazzale Michelangelo. The statue of Dawn is a stretching long legged women with a real female figure represents the sunrise. The Allegory of Dawn, considered by scholars to be the Virginal Aspect of the Earth Goddess. A bronze copy of the Michelangelo marble from Cappelle Medici (tomb of Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino).
Night sculpture - Female Figure at Base of David Statue, Piazzale Michelangelo. The Allegory of Night, considered by scholars to be the Maternal Aspect of the Earth Goddess. A bronze copy of the Michelangelo marble from Cappelle Medici (tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici, Duke of Nemours).
Day sculpture - The male figure is known as representing the Day.
Twilight sculpture - The male figure is known as representing the Dusk. This my be the dusk of life. Dusk is a drowsy man pensively considering the outcome of yet another day.
Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) is a square with a panoramic jaw-dropping views across Florence, Italy, located in the Oltrarno district of the city.
The view from Piazzale Michelangelo allows you to get a great view of Florence with the Arno River winding through and the mountain ranges in the background.
The view from Piazzale Michelangelo allows you to get a great view of Florence and Arno River.
The view from Piazzale Michelangelo allows you to get a great view of Florence and Arno River.
Giardino Bardini from Piazza Michelangelo is a four hectare large garden on a strip of green sloping hill.
The Arno River from the center of Florence.
Ms Audrey Tow Siew Keng our tour manager took us for a very long walking tour of Florence.
Walking tour is the best way to see places of interest. Sitting in the bus is not the way.
The Arno River from the center of Florence.
Piazza Santa Croce is one of the main plazas or squares located in the central neighborhood of Florence. It is located near Piazza della Signoria and the National Central Library, and takes its name from the Basilica of Santa Croce that overlooks the square.
Ching Neng Bin the photographer with Ching Jin Yuan taking a selfie at Piazza Santa Croce.
Basilica of Santa Croce - The most notable features of the basilica are its sixteen chapels, many of them decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, and its tombs and cenotaphs.
Basilica of Santa Croce - It is the burial place of many illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Enrico Fermi, Galileo, Ugo Foscolo, Guglielmo Marconi, Luigi Cherubini, Leon Battista Alberti, Vittorio Alfieri, Gioacchino Rossini, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Lorenzo Bartolini, Pier Antonio Micheli, Bartolomeo Cristofori, Giovanni Gentile, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie).
In front of the Basilica of Santa Croce is a marble statue depicting Dante sculpted by Enrico Pazzi, named Monument to Dante.
The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Florence, Italy.
The Palazzo Vecchio on the left is the town hall of Florence, Italy. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David statue as well as the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi.
Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo's David statue as well as the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi.
Piazza della Signoria is an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It was named after the Palazzo della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio. It is the main point of the origin and history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political focus of the city.
Neptune Fountain Piazza della Signoria - Commissioned for the wedding of Francesco I de’ Medici and Grand Duchess Johanna of Austria in 1565, the Fountain of Neptune was created by Bartolomeo Ammannati and his assistants (including Giambologna). It was originally assigned to Bartolommeo Bandinelli (who created the model), but he died before starting work on the Apuan marble. For the face of Neptune, Ammannati used Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany (alluding to the dominion of the Florentines over the sea). Neptune is a copy made in the 19th century (the original is in the National Museum).
Fountain of Neptune at Piazza della Signoria - The sea-horses are supposed to be drawing Neptune’s chariot (a giant seashell on a pedestal decorated with the chained figures of Scylla and Charybdis). The water for the fountain is supplied by a specially-constructed aqueduct fed from an original Roman aqueduct from the Porto San Giorgio, across the Ponte Rubiconte bridge and to Piazza della Signoria.
Amphitrite is a woman said to be Neptune's wife. She is the woman most-often considered to be his wife rather than Salacia.
Michelangelo's statue of David - The original is housed in the Galleria dell Accademia.
Bartolommeo Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus.
At Loggia dei Lanzi - Benvenuto Cellini's statue Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
The Equestrian Monument of Cosimo I is a bronze equestrian statue erected in 1594 in the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, region of Tuscany, Italy.
One of the two Medici lions at Loggia dei Lanzi. Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance art.
One of the two Medici lions at Loggia dei Lanzi. Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance art.
The Rape of Polyxena statue at Loggia dei Lanzi.
The statue of Menelaus supporting the body of Patroclus at Loggia dei Lanzi - Menelaus was the King of Sparta and husband of Helen of Troy. He was leader of the Spartans in the Trojan War. When Paris (son of the Trojan King Priam) was approached by Zeus to decide who was the most beautiful goddess to end a squabble, Paris was promised the most beautiful woman in the world by Aphrodite if he would choose her: Helen of Sparta. Hera promised him Europe and Asia, and Athena promised him prowess in battle, great wisdom, and the abilities of the finest warriors. Paris chose Aphrodite, and his abduction of Helen started the Trojan War.
Patroclus was Achilles’ best friend, and his comrade-in-arms. When the battle had shifted from the Greeks favor, and it looked as if the Trojans would capture the Greek ships, Patroclus convinced Achilles to loan him his armor so he could rally his men, the Myrmidons (Ant People), who were extremely loyal to Achilles. (Achilles had gotten into a big argument with Agamemnon (Menelaus’ brother, who was in command of the Greek army) and refused to fight). Achilles warned Patroclus to stop when he had turned the Trojans away from the ships, but he pursued them all the way to the city gates, then he single-handedly killed 53 warriors, at which point he was stunned by Apollo, wounded, then killed by Hector (Paris’ brother). This sculpture shows the scene when Menelaus recovers Patroclus’ body from the battlefield.
Hercules and Nessus at Loggia dei Lanzi - Nessus carried Hercules wife Deianeira across the river Euenos (he was the ferryman). Then he tried to rape her. Very bad idea. Hercules saw this from across the river and shot an arrow dipped in the poison of the Hydra into Nessus’ chest. Nessus, as he lay dying, told Deianeira that his blood would ensure Hercules’ fidelity. She believed him, and when she became worried, she dipped his shirt into the blood. Later, she spilled a little on the floor and saw it fuming. She realized it was poison, but it was too late. Although she sent a messenger to warn Hercules, he was already dying.
Hercules and Nessus at Loggia dei Lanzi.
Samson and the Philistine Pierino da Vinci at Loggia dei Lanzi.
Inside Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum.
Inside Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum.
Buying lunch at Antica Porchetteria Granieri 1916. Audrey is an excellent guide who took us here even our local guide did't know.
Antica Porchetteria Granieri 1916 famous for tasty pork panini! Great sandwich!
A panini or panino (meaning "bread roll" ) is a sandwich made with Italian bread usually served warmed by grilling or toasting.
Very tasty panini! Great sandwich. We liked it very much. The are few types with good quality ingredients (pork and pecorino cheese). There is no place to sit down though, but it is a great choice to grab something along the way.
Mr Wong Tai Meng and Ms Ho Har Mooi at Piazza della Signoria.
Catherine Oon, Ho Har Mooi, Pauline Toh, Joyce Tan at Piazza della Signoria.
The Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, of Florence, is among the most visited museums in Italy, second only to the Vatican Museums of Rome, and one of the best-known museums in the world. The majority of the works displayed here are Renaissance masterpieces, but there are also classical sculptures and prints and drawings.
Statue of Accorso at one of the many sculptures of artists outside the Uffizi Gallery.
Statue Andrea Cesalpino at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Benvenuto Cellini at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Dante Allighieri at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Donatello, one of the many sculptures of artists outside the Uffizi Gallery.
Statue of Francesco Redi at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Francesco Ferrucci at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Galileo Galilei at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Giotto at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Giovanni Delle Bande Nere at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Guido Aretino at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Leonardo DaVinci at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Leon Battista Alberti at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Michelangelo at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Niccola Pisano at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Statue of Paolo Mascagni at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence
The 95m long Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
The 95m long Ponte Vecchio is occupied by jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
The 95m long Ponte Vecchio is occupied by jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
The 95m long Ponte Vecchio is occupied by jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
The 95m long Ponte Vecchio is occupied by jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
Benvenuto Cellini was an Italian goldsmith, sculptor, draftsman, soldier, musician, and artist who also wrote a famous autobiography and poetry. He was one of the most important artists of Mannerism. He is remembered for his skill in making pieces such as the Cellini Salt Cellar and Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
The large visitors at the 95m long Ponte Vecchio.
The 95m long Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
Buildings along the Arno River as viewed from Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
Buildings along the Arno River as viewed from Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
The ice-creams everywhere along Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
The ice-creams everywhere along Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
The roadside artists.
The roadside artists.
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Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Bell Tower. Brunelleschi's Dome is at the back.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Bell Tower, Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Bell Tower - The 114m Florence Cathedral, formally the Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore, is the cathedral of Florence, Italy. It begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio and was structurally completed by 1436, with the dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Bell Tower, Florence
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Bell Tower, Florence
The Gates of Paradise had 10 panels with biblical stories inscribed with 10 stories portrayed on each of them. Famous golden doors of landmark Baptistery of St. John, with panels depicting Biblical scenes.
Val Allan and Pauline Toh standing in front of the Gates of Paradise.
Porcellino is the local Florentine nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar at Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.
Porcellino is the local Florentine nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar at Piazza del Mercato Nuovo.
Dinner at Buddakan, Largo Bargellini 7, 50122 Florence Italy. It is a Chinese restaurant and not Thai restaurant.
Dinner at Buddakan, Largo Bargellini 7, 50122 Florence Italy.
Dinner at Buddakan, Largo Bargellini 7, 50122 Florence Italy. It is a Chinese restaurant and not Thai restaurant.
Dinner at Buddakan, Largo Bargellini 7, 50122 Florence Italy.
Dinner at Buddakan, Largo Bargellini 7, 50122 Florence Italy.
Accommodation at 4 star hotel "Art Hotel Museo” Viale della Repubblica, Prato, Florence
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