The first Sunday of each month is FREE MUSEUM DAY in all the state museums in Italy! These include the Uffizi, Gallery of Accademia, Bargello, Medici Chapels, Pitti Palace (all museums inside), San Marco (open every second Sunday), Palazzo Davanzati (open every second Sunday morning only), and Medici Villas. While it is great to get in for free and save a few euros, keep in mind that the lines for these weeks will be very long so try going as early as you can and pick one or two museums
BARDINI GARDENS: Right behind the Boboli Gardens you can find the equally beautiful but much less crowded Bardini Gardens. While abroad, I took a class called “Gardens of Love” where we explored a new garden every week (tough, right?). I was lucky enough to come here three times for different class field trips and every time I noticed new things. There are documents describing evidence of a garden here that date back to the 13th century and after 5 years (and 12 million euros in restoration), these gardens were re-opened to the public in 2010. Open now almost every day of the week, these gardens are filled with spectacular views, sculptures and even a nice little cafe and museum at the top!
PALAZZO VECCHIO: Located in the main square of Piazza della Signora (a two minute walk to the right of the Duomo), this building is now mainly a museum but also serves as the town hall of Florence. Since 1872 it has housed the office for the mayor of Florence and Michaelangeo’s David stood at the entrance from 1504 until 1873 when it was moved to Galleria Academia and a replica was put in it’s place. You can walk inside and buy a ticket but I would highly recommend getting a tour guide because there is so much to see and they can tell you the history behind it all.
VASARI CORRIDOR: The Vasari Corridor is an elevated, enclosed passageway that connects Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti. It starts on the south side of Palazzo Vecchio, joins the Uffizi Gallery and continues traveling down and across the Ponte Vecchio bridge, over a row of houses and then finally arriving at Palazzo Pitti. It was built in 5 months in by the order of Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1565 in conjunction with his son Francesco’s marriage to Joanna of Austria. The Grand Duke and his wife Eleonora wanted to be able to move freely between where he lived and the government palace while avoiding the public. A majority of the Corridor has been closed off to the public since then but there is a section in the Uffizi Gallery filled with artist self-portraits which can be seen in small tour groups only conducted by a licensed tour operator and accompanied by two government officials. Unfortunately the corridor is closed for refurbishment until 2018 but when it reopens it should definitely be on your list to check out
FLOWER MARKETS: One day after class as I was walking around, I stumbled upon a flower market happening in Piazza della Republicca. I immediately googled it (google was my best friend abroad) and found out it happens in the Spring right under the arch in the square. The flowers were all beautiful and there’s every kind of plant imaginable. Even if you’re not going to buy anything, it’s cool to see the displays of flowers we might not have here, or learn the Italian word for your favorite flower. Check it out every Thursday from 10-7 although you have a better chance of getting the flowers you want if you go earlier. They also only take cash but bargaining is allowed within reason
