Tag Archives: Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace

27 Oct

Coming out on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio is the Pitti Palace. At first glance it seemed a little dismal but the interior more than made up for it. Alas, again photos are not permitted.

Outside of the Pitti Palace

This picture is a little misleading as to the gentle incline leading up to the entrance. Yes, it’s just a tad steeper but by this time we had left the City Centre, visited the Piazza, wandered through the Ponte Vecchio and my feet were toast. And yet another beautiful building to explore. I figured I could have comfortable feet at home so I was going for it! Yep, we’re a couple of rebels! (Hubby’s feet were unhappy as well). So upward and onward and into the Palace.

This next picture is scanned out of “The Official Guide of the Pitti Palace”. We bought them at the Uffizi Museo, and the Accademia. It will make you lick your lips…..mmmmmmm.

RoyalApts_KingsStudio

I could scan forever out of this book (now that I have access to one) but I’m not going to spoil you – it really needs to be seen up close and personal.
The next picture is of a table top. I wonder how long it took to complete? The workmanship is amazing. Unfortunately there wasn’t a description of it in the guide book.

Ornate table top in the Pitti Palace

Another thing that disappointed me in the guide book was the lack of pictures and information on the “Costume Gallery”. Yes, ladies, they had clothing from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Even some as late as the 1970’s but the 1950′ and 1960’s were so Jackie O. Scrumptious! And the shoes! Very ornate and some looked more comfortable and the styles we wear today!

Now since you gentlemen have been so patient with me writing about clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. I am going to break my rule (isn’t that what they’re for?) and scan in a few shots for you car fanatics. Hey what do you think NASCAR would think of these beauties?

Yellow Carriage

Pretty wild, huh? I’m sure the next one is a ladies carriage, and it came with an interior shot! Any woman who has read a regency novel would love to see the inside. I know I was pretty intrigued.

Pink-Carriage-Exterior

Good grief. And I’m pretty sure they didn’t have sunglasses! But wait, there’s more….

Pink-Carriage-Interior

No leather heated seats, but not too bad. Of course these carriages are for Royalty.

Even their ceilings are outrageous – and not just here. Every building that was an attraction had crazy art work on the ceilings – but that a whole separate post. Here’s just one example:

Pitti Palace ceiling - one of many

Now it’s time for some exterior shots:

Room with a view - inside looking out towards the gardens

The above picture was from inside looking out toward the Boboli Gardens. Look at that huge courtyard! Below is outside at the gardens – similar shot but a little clearer I think.

Outside at the gardens

I know I told you I could have happy feet at home, but after all this in one day it broke our hearts not to be able to hike up to the Boboli Gardens. But I have a sneaking suspicion we just may be back for more!

More tomorrow, but for now –

Ciao – DJ*

Piazza, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace

23 Oct

Sunday we decided to play gladiators and see if we could get killed. By ourselves. Let’s do three times the activity in one day so far and see what happens. That would be me finally catching hubby creepy germs of the “Perils of Paul(ine)” fame. And I didn’t even buy anything except art work for our  cat. (You didn’t think she’d be omitted from this blog now did you?) Yes, we have a “Princepessa” in residence at home.

Anyway, I will be doing the three above “P’s in a series, between last minute dashing around and naps.

The Piazza Della Republic: we came through here going to and coming back from the Ponte Vecchio and Pitti Palace.

What a fun Piazza, it was hopping with farmers markets, street vendors, artists, tourists, locals all coming together to see what the day would bring. The following are some random shots:

I can’t resist the carousel off to the right in the previous picture. It gorgeous and I wonder how old it is.

Carousel at Piazza della Repubblica

Next we have the farmer’s market, on the right had side are outside cafes where you can sip cappuccino and biscotti’s.

Piazza Della Republico

This is just the tip of the iceberg for shopping the street vendors. Purses, scarves, I think I’ve mentioned them before. But did I say ‘FABULOUS!” Okay, maybe I did but I’m raring to go as this is our last day. And of course I have to say Arrivederci to Stefano! (Wink! wink!).

Tip of the Iceberg for shopping!

So when you come to Italy, it is always nice to bring presents to show appreciation and honoring their country. Well, being from the Southwest of the USA, we decided to bring (in addition to the Sedona Sandstone and postcards, etc. a Javelina, native of our home state? Okay, just kidding. He was already there! He has water coming out of his mouth (as you can see by that ever so attractive spittle hanging down) and you put a coin in his mouth and let go, and if it falls in the grate, the coin is supposed to bring good luck and then you pet him on the head to seal the deal.  I may have the details of the story mixed up and I’m pretty sure he has a name – I’ll have to look it up. My coin went right in, poor hubby took three tries. It appeared to be that way with most men. I guess we women has less trouble throwing money down the drain! Lol! (Did I say that? Shame on me!) Anyway, boy can he command a crowd – and sometime an unruly one at that. I’m talking locals, too!

And of course we had to run into local street artists – there were two young men working on this piece. Very intently I might add!

Street Artist on the way to Piazza della Republica

Next I will try to get to Ponte Vecchio soon – an adventure all on it’s own!!!!

Ciao, DJ*

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