SECRETS OF FLORENCE

HIDDEN PLACES OF TUSCANY

This one is now the seventh article related to my journey through Italy. If you haven’t read my previous stories from this trip, you can check out my first story here.

I wanted to see some museums and galleries. I feel best when I combine tours inside museums and galleries and visit outdoor attractions like gardens, squares, and parks. It is a nice, long list, so I had to plan all visits to get to see all the attractions in time. You will see some breathtaking hidden places in Tuscany.

Morning in Florence

This is one of those mornings when I get up, I’m tired, but nothing is too hard for me. I am slow in motion when I am tired but also relaxed. I enjoyed the magical room I rented through Air B&B in the center of Florence. There are so many beautiful moments in front of me, but I don’t want to hurry because every moment is magical.

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Coffee and fruits will wake me up and start a little. To bring me back to reality, hahaha. Who else needs it? Everyone wants to escape from reality. But not me. I enjoy it when I do something that makes sense, I fight for something worthwhile, but I also relax to the maximum when I give it time.

I had to see Maria del Fiore again in the morning when she was illuminated by the sun. I can see the video nicely. Of course, there are always some small shops that I can’t resist, like the one below with the drawing material.

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Of course, I couldn’t resist the fantastic pizza for breakfast, my favorite with prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, and rocket.

The day was beautiful, and I got up early to visit a lot. In some places, I didn’t stay long. They always keep in mind that I will come back to see everything I missed one day. One of the most exciting sights I wanted to see was a souvenir of Michelangelo’s David. The replica is located in Piazza Duomo, and the original is housed in the Accademia Gallery in Florence.

The Vecchio Palace is a palate that didn’t appeal to me so much in appearance. It’s massive and looks monotonous, but inside it’s phenomenal, as if you’ve entered a city of art. Full of exquisite paintings, statues, and history. I had the impression that I was walking through works of art. These were frescoes by Georgia Vasaria (Giorgio Vasarii) and Marco Marchetti. I was also impressed with old maps of the world and globes made of iron and bronze. A few hours passed as I wandered the corridors where former military leaders made important decisions.

There was also a great place to see but not very well known to tourists.

7 HIDDEN PLACES IN FLORENCE TO VISIT

1. Hidden drawings by Michelangelo Buanorroti

While Michelangelo hid from the pope in the room below Medici’s chapel, he used his time to draw. He only had a little charcoal to draw on the walls. There are primarily drawings of him, Christ, and reproductions of paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

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2. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

One of the oldest pharmacies and one of my favorite hidden places. They were founded in 1221. At that time, the monks grew plants and made balms and medicines. They still use the same recapture today. There is a unique recipe for which the pharmacy is known: “Aceto dei Cette Ladri’-Since 7 thieves”. The name comes from 7 men who poured vinegar on themselves while looting corpses during the plague, believing that foul odors were the cause of the disease.

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4. Brac

The most excellent bookstore restaurant. While choosing quoting books, and at the same time drinking wine and appetizers, there is nothing more beautiful. You have the link below if you want to visit this terrific bookstore.

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5. Sei Divino

A wine cellar with a large selection of wines cannot be bypassed.

6. Anatomical collection

One of the largest anatomical collections of wax. Medici started the group and opened a museum to the public. The very inspired collection attracted Geta and Emperor Leopold, who financed the museum himself.

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7. Bardini gardens

Romantic and magical gardens inspiration of the Renaissance.

Because of all these attractions, I had to stay a little longer in Florence to dedicate more time to sightseeing and enjoying. I wanted to see more places, but I didn’t have that much time, and this trip is different from a classic vacation. It’s fascinating, and most interestingly, it constantly inspires me that I need to go back but in a different style. Traveling on a motorcycle definitely makes the trip so unique and beautiful.

Florence Atmosphere

This same day I crossed the Arno River a couple of times until I felt at t home. Haha, That was the feeling all over Italy. A similar feeling came to me when I traveled to Egypt, I was very relaxed, and I felt at home, especially in Luxor. If you want to write about the trip to Egypt, feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM. I don’t have many photos or videos, but maybe the story will be inspiring.

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Plans for the next day

I sat down in a small cafe to drink tea and gather impressions. The road was waiting for me the next day. I’m going to another city. I can’t wait to see the unique accommodation I booked a few days ago, as well as the special event that takes place twice a year in that town. I am very excited and can’t wait to get on the bike again after two days. I have to admit I miss riding. I didn’t drive much because everything is possible to see without a vehicle, but only if you like to walk a lot. There are many kilometers to walk.

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These seven undiscovered places were my choice of hidden attractions. Maybe you knew about them, or not, but it’s worth seeing them again. There is a lot of other more or less attractive spots to see. Please share some unpopular but exciting places with me so that I can visit them next time.

Next week I will travel further but still stay in the Tuscan region. A region is known for Chianti wine, horse racing, and, if you ask me, the best atmosphere in Italy.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or you want to share your opinion about this blog, feel free to do so below the text or send me an email/dm. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest.

Useful links:

• Hidden drawings by Michelangelo Buonarroti – Medici Chapel, silica of San Lorenzo, Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6 Florence, Italy
• Santa Maria Novella Apoteka – Via della Scala 16, Florence, 50123, Italy
• Villa Demidoff – Parco mediceo di, Via Fiorentina, 276, 50036 Pratolino FI, Italy
• Brac – The Most Charming Restaurant ~ Bookstore
• Sei Divino – Wine Cellar
• La Specola Anatomical Collection – Via Romana, 17 Florence, 50125, Italy
• Bardini Gardens