From the Pitti to the Cupola.

Its been a week for exploring Florence.  Even after the students have been living in the city for a couple of months, there is always something to see and do.

Alexandra Lawrence (ItalyAlexandra) was our guide on Tuesday last week, taking the students on a journey of discovery inside the Pitti Palace.

Palazzo Pitti, few steps from the Ponte Vecchio

Alex sets the scene, going through 550+ years of history

Then up several flights of stairs into the Palatine Gallery

As is often the case in Florentine museums, the amount to see was somewhat overwhelming but Alex did a great job picking out the highlights.  All of our students receive a Friends of the Uffizi card when they arrive in the city and are encouraged to visit again and again for free.

The next day, it was the turn of Angela Oberer to share her knowledge of the Baptistery and Duomo with the group.  It was a perfect Fall morning, slightly chilly but clear.  Each student was given a combined ticket allowing them to visit the Baptistery, Duomo Musuem as well as climb the Cupola and Bell tower within a 24hr period.  These are must do things in Florence.

Perfect day for learning in the Piazza del Duomo

The museum is currently undergoing renovation but still worthwhile

Angela explains the doors to the group

Great conditions for climbing the Cupola

Angela explained how it was the case that you couldn't enter the church if you hadn't been baptised, hence the reason why many cities have a Baptistry away from the main church building.  Then she described the meaning of the doors and the (sometimes toxic) process involved in making them.

The students then went into the Duomo museum before heading off to regular classes.  In the breaks between classes they were able to head back to the square and explore at their leisure.

The sunset from the top of the Duomo was fantastic!

AIFS staff also took the chance to climb up.  This is Ged and Ember his six month old daughter.

Under the guidance of prof. Rigon many of the Pasadena Students were in Venice this weekend to soak up the city and in particular visit the Biennale.  Rome is calling them on Friday this week.