This morning we packed up our suitcases and hopped on the high-speedĀ train to Firenze. It was my first time on the trains in Europe and all i have to say is “why don’t we have this kind of system at home?” after checking in to our cozy room for the next few nights we got some information from the desk clerk on where to have dinner and the best times to hit the museums . That’s when we found out that Sunday May 1 was a holiday in Firenze and the museums were going to be closed. š® Luckily we had free wi-fi at the hotel lobby so we immediately when online hoping to obtain tickets to get into the Uffizi and the Galleria D’Accademia. Unfortunately we had no luck in getting these tickets so we decided to get up early and head to the Uffizi gallery before it opened.
Hercules & Cacus with Uffizi in the background
Arriving at the Uffizi 5 minutes before it opened we saw a line up but one that didn’t look to daunting. Getting in line we waited patiently as the minutes ticked by. 45 minutes later we were in the doors paying our entrance fee. Long hallways took us into many different rooms that were linked to each other and some that stood alone. Beautiful artwork lined the ways of the rooms, while statues lined the hallways.
Hallway of Statues, Uffizi Gallery
There is so much to see here. From the end of one of the hallways you can look out over the river and see not too far in the distance the Ponte Vecchio. A famous bridge containing jewelery shops.
Photograph of the Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi
It takes quite a bit of time to get through the rooms and hallways and floors of the Uffizi, we spent about four hours wandering through all the artwork. Knowing that the Gallerie D’Accademia is very much smaller we decided to go there first before getting some lunch. We had luck on our side today as we reached the short lineup to see the famous David. After only about 45 minutes in line we were in through the doors. Once entering the gallery you are in a small room that has some artwork and statues. Turning to the left you head into the corridor that contains the David at the very end. You must be careful here if you want to sneak a photo of David as the guards are very diligent in yelling out the “No Foto” chant. Don’t use your flash or you will get caught – although I’m not sure what the penalty is for taking a photo.
The Original David by Michaelangelo
Off to the right of David is another smaller hallway leading to where they restore the statues. Heading back to the room you entered from another corridor takes you to a music room where an assortment of instruments are jammed into a tiny room. And that’s it for this museum. I did say it was small, right?
