Giotto's Campanile or We Climb 414 Steps

At the Mercato Centrale

You are never too far from a pig in Florence.  It is either sculpted somewhere, taxidermied in the market, or poised on your plate for enjoyment.  We hit the Central Market today.  It is one of those typical open air European markets that has everything Tuscan your pantry would need. On the first floor are all the specialty shops: the butchers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetable vendors as well as shops selling olive oils, cheese, wines and more. Check it out here.  The second floor has sections dedicated to Italian specialties to buy and dine on. YUM.

We bought some staples, dropped them at the apartment and headed for the Baptistry.  That ticket also got us into Giotto's Campanile.  The Baptistry is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, built between 1059 and 1128. It stands apart from the Duomo because in Medieval times one could not enter the church prior to baptism. We were interested in the door copies which any passerby can see, but also the interior mosaic ceiling.  Made of tiny Venetian glass, it took over a century to complete.  It is very dark inside and was difficult to fully appreciate.  

Since our ticket to the Baptistry included the Campanile, who were we to say no.  As the Baptistry, this bell tower by Giotto is free standing. It mimics the facade of the Duomo with green and pink marble. The sculptures and reliefs one sees now are copies of the originals . The originals are now in the Duomo Museum which we will see tomorrow.  Inside are 414 steps that lead to an observation deck.  There are three levels with platforms for resting and viewing, thank god.  The walk was worth the life threatening effort for the panoramic views including spotting our apartment.  I can safely say we were the oldest climbers but not necessarily hardest puffers. 

To end the day we strolled over the Ponte Vecchio for a beautiful view of the Arno.  Pictures galore at flickr.

Observations of two visitors.

   Some parents need a slap when they bring a coughing child to climb 414 steps in a time            of plague.