Читать книгу The Way of St Francis. Via di Francesco: From Florence to Assisi and Rome онлайн

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Standing between the Duomo and the Baptistery, head south along Via dei Calzaiuoli. In two blocks you can catch a view of the touristy Piazza della Republica on the right, and in another five blocks you arrive at the Piazza della Signoria, with its crenellated and towered Palazzo Vecchio – Florence’s town hall. A copy of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ stands in front of the palace, while other impressive but less famous Renaissance statues adorn the square.

Just past the Palazzo Vecchio is the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to treasures of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. ‘Birth of Venus’ by Botticelli and ‘Doni Tondo’ (Holy Family) by Michelangelo stand out in the Uffizi’s elite collection.

The Uffizi’s southern walls face the Arno River; turn right along the river and walk three blocks to the beloved Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) with its glittering jewelry shops. If you have time, continue across the bridge onto Via de Guicciardini and walk two long blocks to the Pitti Palace, which features paintings of Rafael, or turn right across from the palace on Sdrucciolo de Pitti and walk four blocks to the domed Church of Santo Spirito. Enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner in the Piazza Santo Spirito, where you can find a hint of less-touristic Florentine life.