We left at 9:30 Saturday morning on a 30ish minute autobus ride to San Gimingnano, a very small medieval Tuscan town known for being one of the most well preserved (history-wise) in all of Italia. Medieval towns used to have all kinds of towers built by powerful, feuding families (a la Romeo and Juilet). The idea was whoever had the tallest tower was the most powerful. They were also useful for dumping hot boiling oil on your enemies, etc. Anyways, in most towns, Siena and Firenze included, when they became republics, all the different towers were knocked down and the government building was built and it was the only tower allowed in the city. However, 14 towers (of 72 originally) remain in San Gimignano, and that is generally its main attraction.
Saturday was a perfectly gorgeous day. It almost felt like spring--at several points I was down to a shirt and light sweater! The town was quiet as can be, as it is still well before the start of the tourist season (although this sadly meant that their famous gelaterria is still closed for the season). It felt like we owned the city--we could walk in the middle of the streets without distruption by cars (making even Siena feel like a big town in comparison). The best part of the entire day was climbing to the top of the highest tower and spending over an hour taking in the incredible view. It was warm and sunny, you could see forever, and best of all, we had the place to ourselves!
Before catching the bus to Firenze, we bought some bread, mozzarella, and some of San Gimignano's signature white wine and snacked in the park by the bus stop. It was truly the most relaxing, perfect day trip I could have asked for.
Obviously, going to Firenze was a bit of a shock after a day in San Gimignano, one that none of us were really prepared for.
I couldn't wait to see the Duomo in person, and that is the first thing we saw, as it was merely a few blocks from our hostel (which I booked myself!). It was so huge and beautiful and I couldn't believe I was really seeing it in person after having seen so many photos of it, I got a little overwhelmed and emotional. We just went out for pizza that night and then didn't stay out too long afterwards as we were all very tired already.
The next morning we went to see the Duomo in the daylight, and it blew me away again. Then we went to the largest mercato in Firenze, also said to have the best prices (San Lorenzo, I believe). I was in search of a leather jacket and I found one! It is a navy blue, motorcycle style with a detachable hood and it is beautiful. I tried to haggle with the guy, although I'm not sure how effective it was. Yet, I was happy to splurge a little on the one thing I'd really wanted to purchase in Italy, and now I can happily say I am essentially done shopping for non-essentials!
Next we trekked up the Michelangelo Square, which overlooks the entire city (stopping for a huge and delicissimo pizza on the way!). It was a bit hazy but it was a great view. That city is huge!
Overall, we didn't see to much in Firenze as we were only there for a day and didn't want to have to rush anything, but it was nice to walk around and get a good feel for the city, and I am definitely looking forward to going back.
By the time it was time to take the bus back to Siena, I was ready. As lovely of a weekend as it was, we all were happy to be back in Siena, which is really starting to feel like home.
Tomorrow the whole group heads to the Alps (Val D'Aosta) until Saturday as we have just completed our three-week intensive Italian course--good riddance! Onto art history!
Will update again soon (and pictures to come eventually, I swear).
To everyone at home: Miss and love you all!
Love,
Megan
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