Will be arriving Florence on the afternoon of April 30 for 3 nights. Have now found most, if not all, the "must see" museums are closed both Sun, May 1 and Mon, May 2. I know this is probably a subjective question, but with those off the list, what other "must see's" would be on your list? A day trip to Pisa looks good...others? Thanks!
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I second the climb to the Piazzale. If you're interested in churches, there are plenty to see (with art included!) - San Lorenzo with the Medici tombs designed by Michelangelo; of course the Duomo; Santa Croce with frescoes by Giotto and medieval gravestones in the floor; the Pazzi Chapel, designed by Brunelleschi; Santa Maria Novella with Masaccio's "Trinity" fresco (an early Renaissance use of perspective). It's also nice to walk around the city and explore - Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi (more art here); Ponte Vecchio; Loggia del Mercato Nuovo (big outdoor market; not sure of the hours).
Posted by
Poulsbo, WA, US
223 posts
Is the Duomo Museum closed? I really think its a fine use of a few hours and it seems like many people skip it. We had the place to ourselves for about 40 minutes on our visit. For me, a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo would be on my must see list. Again its just personal preference but there are quite a few places I would day trip before Pisa.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
I would forgo Pisa. Perhaps Lucca instead. Make sure to climb to the top of the Duomo in Florence. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Marshall, do you have the RS Florence/Tuscany book for 2011? It should help you out with options. Also, although I wouldn't recommend spending the night in Pisa, I do think you might enjoy a daytrip there. We did one from Lucca and I'm really glad we did. The field that contains the duomo and the leaning tower is definitely worth a visit. Be sure to go inside the baptistery as well, for an amazing display of acoustics. Lucca was okay, imho, but I thought it had been overhyped. Again, those are just my opinions based on my own experiences.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
The Boboli Gardens are good for a few pleasant hours. Near Pizzale Michelangelo is a small garden with tulips open in May. The bus up to Fisole for a scenic meal would be another idea.