Day 4 in Italy: June 14, 2025
Dr. Cook - Reflection on the day:
This morning we left the chaos and grandeur of Rome behind, but not the heat. After a beautiful drive up the Autostrada through Tuscany, we were excited to explore the wonders of Florence. We began at the Gallerie degli Uffizi (Uffizi Galleries) to see the most significant collection of Medieval and Renaissance art in the world (and there are some good Roman things in the hallways). Students had a chance to go through this museum in small groups with a list of items not to miss (including the rooftop cafe with an excellent view over the city). I was impressed that many of them instantly recognized the works which we had seen in our AHI classes – one student even reminded me that I had shown them all three paintings in a particular gallery, not just the two I remembered!
We ended the day with a walking tour throughout the city followed by what was perhaps the most delicious dinner yet. We had certainly earned it after going on an epic journey to find an entrance to the street of the restaurant; the whole square was blocked off for the semi-final game of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino - a game that is something like a blend of soccer, rugby, and wrestling that has been played in Florence since the 16th century. We hope to catch a bit of the next semi-final on TV tomorrow. When we arrived to dinner, we felt the restaurant was appropriately named: Finisterrae - the end of the Earth.
More Florence to come tomorrow!
Carly Mannello - Gallerie degli Uffizi
Coming to Florence after being in Rome feels like a big shift. Rome is grand and bold; every corner feels like a huge moment in history. Florence, though, feels more personal. It’s quieter, more focused on beauty and thought. We really felt this change when we visited the Uffizi Gallery. In the Uffizi, surrounded by famous paintings, we saw how art from the Renaissance are connected. We got to see iconic pieces including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, and Michelangelo’s only painting in Florence, The Doni Tondo. The more we learned about each piece, the more it helped us see the artwork in a new way. Florence invites us to slow down and look closely. The city helps us listen, not just to what we see, but to how it makes us feel. Being here reminds us that inspiration is everywhere when we take the time to notice.
Kate Shaaban - on Florence:
Florence is one of those cities where you can feel the history all around you. The streets are super old, with stone buildings and narrow alleys that make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The Duomo is huge and kind of just appears out of nowhere—it’s crazy to think people built that so long ago. The Uffizi was so interesting, and I loved looking at all the art. Everything there makes you slow down and really take it in.
