Florence and Rome (via home)

Hello everyone

We left the Dolomites and headed south towards Florence which is a small and compact city. The cathedral is clad in white, pink and green marble with a terracotta dome and so beautiful standing next to the equally striking campanile. The Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the River Arno is home to many small but exclusive jewellery and gold shops – definitely window shopping only!

From here we drove to Ciampino where we left the van for our short break back home. It was lovely to see so many of you and catch-up, and sample the delicious (proper) beer and cider at The Snug beer festival!

Our flights to and from Manchester ran like clockwork, and Kathryn and Sophie joined us on the return trip – we were ready to hit the sights.

 

We arrived at St Peter’s piazza to see and hear Pope Francis address the crowds, before visiting the vast Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel. The wealth of art on display is amazing, and we could have spent a day in here.

 

 

 

 

The Colosseum is huge, especially seeing the extensive network of rooms below the arena where the animals were caged before battle commenced. 

Tucked away amongst the side streets is the elaborate Trevi fountain – unfortunately partly covered for restoration and cleaning at present with the Spanish Steps a short walk away.

 

 

St Peter’s basilica is breathtakingly beautiful inside. We climbed up to dome’s interior to view the mosaic ceilings up close, and appreciate the size and scale of the space below. Then up more steps, we exited at the top of the dome for views of the Vatican City and Rome below.

 

 

Returning to the ground floor, we admired Michelangelo’s Pieta, saw the inlaid keys of St Peter, and the huge bronze canopy reserved for the papal mass. Below this is the beautifully decorated tomb of St Peter.

We’ve enjoyed Rome, but will leave tomorrow and head north to Pisa.

Will post again next week - love to all