Day 5 - Florence

Morning

There may be no better way to begin our first full day in Florence than a visit to see Michaelangelo's David! Although the image is exceptionally well-known and easy to conjure up in your mind, it is quite a different experience to be in the presence of this magnificent work of art. The David is beautifully displayed too; there is no glass barrier. You can walk right up to the statue and even walk around it to admire all the detail.

Let's discuss art history for a brief moment. Everything you are going to see in Florence today dates from the 1400's. For a first-time visitor to Florence and someone new to the Renaissance in Florence this is a perfectly reasonable approach. However, there is one notable exception! Michaelangelo's David was unveiled in 1504. But this, however, almost proves the point. Renaissance art developed in the 1400's, culminating in Michaelangelo's David, and shortly after completing his work, Michelangelo moved to Rome, taking the Renaissance with him.

Afternoon

After lunch we visit the Pantheon, a domed Roman temple that, for centuries, was the largest dome structure in the world, until Brunelleschi completed the dome of Florence Cathedral. The building is a circular structure, and the massive bronze doors are original! The structure tremendously influenced Renaissance architecture, and we will see echoes of it throught the rest of the trip.

We will wind our ways through some of Rome’s oldest streets to the Piazza Navona, site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian. The race track is gone, but the shape is retained in this piazza, and it is a wonderful place to sit and relax.

At the center of one of the sides of the piazza is the beautiful church Sant'Agnese in Agone, dedicated to St. Agnes, one of Rome’s most well-known martyrs. Beheaded for her faith in 304 AD, the church is a beautiful monument to her memory.

Although you can never be done with Ancient Rome while visiting the city, the rest of the afternoon will focus on visiting some of the most fascinating churches of the city. We will continue our walk through the neighborhood and enter the baroque church of St. Louis of the French, where we will see the artwork of the master, Caravaggio. After the morning exploring ancient ruins, this beautifully ornate church will be a delight for the eyes.

It may be time for a gelato or pastry break - we will need a bit more energy to finish the day! Let’s hop in a taxi!

Santa Maria Maggiore is the oldest of four Papal Basilicas in Rome, and is an impressive sight to behold. Set high on the Esquiline HIll, the building itself is imposing, and the interior is set to match. The original church was established around 430, and the building reflects years of additions and history. Pope John Paul II was particularly fond of this church and would pray here after every visit abroad.

Very near to Santa Maria Maggiore is the church of Santa Prassede. This church is set over the home of Saint Prassede, and is known for its intricate mosaics dating from the early 800s. (On a personal note, this is exceptionally high on my #italy2024 list!)

This day will be an absolute full day. Let’s face it - you may be worn out just reading about it! On days like this, however, we will be mindful of the pace and take plenty of breaks! The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's may not be faced pace, but the entire time will be spent on your feet. The afternoon, admittedly, is a little more jumping around, but I’ve selected sights that are near to each other. (The exception is the Santa Maria Maggiore - but we will taxi there, and it is reasonably close to the hotel.) Take the breaks you need to keep your energy up!