Florence, Wednesday, 9/14/22
Bargello Museum & Donatello's David
According to Rick Steves, the Bargello Museum is a hidden gem that is undervalued and under-visited. We agree, which is sad for humanity but good news for Rita, me and the rest of our group.
The museum is quiet and all ours. What a luxury to linger at whatever attracts us. The entire tour is up-close and personal in a way that is virtually impossible at say, The Uffizi.
Another plus: our outstanding local guide is knowledgeable and instructive, but not intrusively so. The same process used yesterday (divide large group into two, assign individual guides) makes the experience intimate and personal. Bargello is a must see!
Madonna of the Apple by Robbia, Luca della
Emotional Moment:
When seeing this beautiful piece, Rita Jean choked up, moved beyond words. Homesick for grandkids? Or something else...
Michelangelo's Bacchus
Fav Moment:
When I saw this work by my man Michelangelo, I was shocked and then dumbstruck with laughter. All that incredible brilliance, but still terribly human, and with a sense of humor to boot.
Bargello Museum Interior
Donatello Hall
Bargello Museum Courtyard
Mosaic Workshop
Our last pre-lunch stop is a local mosaic workshop near the Basilica of Santa Croce. Here we are instructed on the age-old "technical" process of creating a mosaic. The creative process is also on display as we watch the artist at work. Incredible.
The shop walls are loaded with life-like mosaics that on first glance look like paintings. I find one I adore (see right) and dream of taking it home with me, but must be satisfied with a few pics instead.
Farewell, Florence
Too soon, our time in Florence is over. Rita & I have seen much in our five 1/2 days here, but there is so much more to see. We vow to return.
Quick lunch and then we hustle to the designated meeting spot. The fabulous Rudolpho, driver extraordinaire, is waiting for us next to his sparkling clean bus. He makes sure we get safely aboard, and are comfortable and settled. Next stop: Gargonza Castle! But wait!! We make a couple of unscheduled stops en route.
Side-stop: American Cemetery​
Not on the official itinerary, the bus goes silent when we pull into the parking lot of the American Cemetery. David provides a quick overview of what we will see. Once we disembark we are greeted by a man I assume is the gatekeeper. Turns out he is so much more than that; he's the memory caretaker of all the American boys who died in Italy during WWII.
We get a tour of the Memorial and a fabulous presentation on American troop movements during WWII. Afterward, we are encouraged to walk the rows and we do. When I find a "local" boy (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Michigan), I stop and touch the headstone in greeting. Our visit here is one of those moments I'll remember forever.
Side-stop: La Foce Giardino​
Our second stop, La Foce, is another unadvertised stop. It doesn't have the deeply personal connection of the American Cemetery, but it did play an important role in WWII and has a rather heroic story attached to it.
It's also beautiful and peaceful and provides a welcome counterpoint to the American Cemetery (lives were saved by the actions taken at La Foce). Our guide gives us the history of the residents as well as a tour of the grounds. From a top terrace we get a spectacular view of the Tuscan countryside we are heading for (lower left).
