Page 131 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018
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• Visit the Trevi Fountain in the evening (late—to avoid the crowds). Tradition dictates
that if you throw a coin into the waters of the fountain you are guaranteed a return visit to
the city. Just two blocks away is a legendary gelato outlet (San Crispino - Via della
Panetteria, 42). Another nice spot at night is the Piazza Campidgolio (Capitoline
Square). Trastavere also is lovely at night, and the Piazza Navona and Pantheon area is
magical after sunset. Make sure you see the exterior of the Colosseum illuminated at
night.
• Take a walk at sunset in the lush Pincio Gardens located above Piazza del Popolo. Enjoy
the city views from the terraces.
• Take in the sights and sounds of the daily morning market at the Campo dei Fiori.
• Visit Palazzo Valentini, which includes several in-town Roman villas that were restored
only within the last 10 years. There is a fascinating multimedia show that does a great
job of re-creating Roman life. We would need to book this in advance for you. Learn
more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/22/arts/design/22vill.html
APPENDIX II: Suggested FLORENCE Activities on Your Own
• Visit the Boboli Gardens, located adjacent to the Pitti Palace
• Shop for leather in the Santa Croce district (including in the basilica itself) or for small
gifts in the open-air San Lorenzo Market. The basilica, the largest Franciscan church in
the world, is the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini,
among others, and home to an impressive collection of art by Italian masters.
• Visit the highly-notable Church of San Lorenzo, which is one of the largest and oldest
churches in Florence. The church was rebuilt by Brunelleschi in 1419 and was the parish
church of the Medici. In the Medici Chapel, you can see the burial place of the most
prominent family of Florence’s golden age. You can also admire fine works by
Donatello including his last work—the bronze pulpits from 1460 depicting the
Resurrection and scenes from the life of Christ. In the remarkable Laurentian Library,
which is built in a cloister of the church, you can study the outstanding Mannerist
architecture by Michelangelo including library desks he designed. Michelangelo also
designed the façade of the church, but it was never funded; hence, the church retains the
unfinished exterior we see today.
• For a further exploration of the Medici, visit the interior of the imposing Palazzo Medici,
which was built for Cosimo de Medici from 1445-1460 and was the prototype for other
Florentine palaces of the age including the Pitti Palace. The palace provides great insight
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