"Italian Unfinished" -- Touching Romance, Captivated by Italy in 10 Days (Part 1)
Warm reminder: The following is personal musings and ramblings. If not interested, skip to the table of contents for Day 1!
Many things are like travel,
Once you make a decision and take the first step,
The hardest part is actually already done!
Humans invented travel and often imbue it with too many meanings: growth of knowledge, self-transformation, sedimentation of life...
A quick Baidu search will instantly fill you with a dose of adrenaline, and then looking at the many destinations posted on friends' circles, you start to get excited amidst infinite anticipation and planning. But after the initial enthusiasm fades, 'anticipation' gradually dissolves in various seemingly non-existent excuses, until it turns into a speck of dust, until this anticipation seems as if it never existed.
We are busily occupied with trivial work and household chores, gradually even getting used to self-comfort. Everyone is chased by busyness day by day, competing with time for victory and length. But what most dare not admit is that under the chase of busyness, there are still people who can complete a global trip in a few years, check off a list of destination countries in a few years. These people, not much different from us in life, can still live a life a hundred times more exciting than ours!
Many celebrities have said that because life is not what they want it to be, they became writers, they became singers; they built fantasy worlds in words, they recited longed-for tomorrows in music. For me, travel is also a weaving: a short time, a desired destination, weaving a sweet memory to be savored deeply in future years—it's well worth it! The self that was once chased by busyness like you is still chased by busyness now, but because it holds a desire, the heart hence has expectation!
This is a memory of Italy, a memory that combines the holiness of religion and the weight of history; the mottled years and the prosperity of the new generation. The glory of the ancient Roman Empire might have faded under the baptism of time, but every building before your eyes retains its appearance over the centuries; every brick you touch carries the traces of history. Come with me on a 10-day journey through 2000 years, unveiling the mysterious veil of Italy!
# Tale of Two Cities No. 1: Siena
Starting the itinerary with an ancient city seems a bit weighty;
Because its own artistic aura, as mysterious as its name, evokes many thoughts;
Many say that if Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, then Siena is the art itself—this saying is true;
Just like the heroine in the movie 'Under the Tuscan Sun' said upon first seeing Siena: There are only a few places in the world where you can wake up so beautifully in the morning. It almost embodies the essence of Tuscan charm and the highest ideal of Italian Gothic style.
Siena's overall tone is somewhat subdued: pale red bricks and dark blue hills complement each other, creating a unique flavor...
Without needing to lean in and sniff, the old charm surges up layer by layer. The deeper you go, the stronger the illusion; it's like a medieval time-travel feeling, with the high consistency of the surrounding style perfectly transporting you to another time, another world...
# Must-Know About Siena—Palio Horse Race
Brief introduction: The Palio of Siena has been held continuously since 1200 AD; it takes place twice a year on July 2 and August 16. Siena has 17 different districts (contrade), each with its own identity and territory. During the race, 10 horses are ridden by representatives from each district.
Rambling: More than a trophy, this is like a huge battle for power and territory;
At that moment, the fierce and brave soul of ancient Roman soldiers seems to possess the participants; the shouts of the spectators stimulate the wildness of the horses, which shoot out like arrows, kicking up clouds of dust and galloping freely. Although I have not been there in person, I can trace and imagine this grand spectacle from the details of the ancient city!
# Siena—Must-Visit Check-in
— Piazza del Campo (nine-tenths)
Brief introduction: Ancient city planning often radiates from a square, and Siena's Piazza del Campo is considered the largest medieval square in Europe, the soul of Siena.
Rambling: The shell-shaped design is a masterpiece in architectural history. Viewed from above, the large fan shape is lively and vivid; within the shell, pedestrians come and go, strolling around, basking in the sun, or sipping a drink in a tipsy daze—all exuding comfort and tranquility.
— The 700-year-old Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall)
Brief introduction: The town hall on the square is the most brilliant component and embodiment of Gothic architecture. It houses exquisite frescoes and was originally built to accommodate the republican government composed of the Podestà and the Council of Nine. After 700 years of historical changes, today, besides serving as the municipal office, the Civic Museum inside also tells visitors about the vicissitudes of time.
— Italy's Second Tallest Tower
Brief introduction: The Torre del Mangia stands next to the Palazzo Pubblico and is the second tallest tower in medieval Italy. Designed by painter Lippo Memmi, the tower is 102 meters tall, surpassing the rival Florence's tower. It stands out among the many architecture around the square that adheres to traditional harmony.
Rambling: Upon arriving at the square, the silhouette formed by the surrounding buildings looks extremely harmonious from afar. Consistency has always been the architectural mode adhered to by the residents of Siena, but the Torre del Mangia simply ignores the rules and usual compliance.
— Joyful Fountain (Fonte Gaia)
Brief introduction: The first public city fountain open to the public. Although carved with moral and religious themes, it is exquisitely carved with a lively style. Besides attracting tourists in the square, the clear spring from the mouths of mythical beasts often attracts birds to play and share a sweet kiss with the beasts.
# Siena—Lunch#
The temptation of a three-course Western meal
# Florence—Must-Visit Check-in
"Tale of Two Cities No. 2: Florence"
With a full stomach, we set off to explore the next ancient city.
On the hill sits Siena firmly on three hills; not far at the foot of the hill, Florence stares covetously without showing weakness.
These two archrivals constantly clashed in the struggle for dominance over Tuscany, with victories alternating;
But, from another perspective, without each other, neither would have become the better version they are today;
While Florence embraced the Renaissance with a more open attitude, Siena clung to its medieval Gothic sentiments;
Thus today Tuscany presents two completely different forms. The temptation of the two cities is not to be missed~～～
Brief introduction: Florence, the capital of Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the cradle of Western art. This is a city that refuses to live in the present, a museum that has traveled back from the Middle Ages, because from every cell to every inch of skin, it is occupied and filled with art. The roads under your feet feel the traces of 15th-century wheels; the shops brushing past you exude a strong classical atmosphere that confuses you as to where you are.
'Firenze' (Flower City) is its Italian interpretation; 'Fèi Lěng Cuì' (Jade Cold) is a pet name from Xu Zhimo.
Florence—Must-Visit Check-in
— Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Brief introduction: Florence's Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral of the local archdiocese, a landmark building in the old city, and a benchmark among church architecture.
If Florence is a work of art in Italy, then the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the exquisite adornment unique to this artwork.
Rambling: Known as the 'Madonna' among church architecture, the brick-red dome is striking and eye-catching, the Gothic bell tower is tall and magnificent, and the frescoes inside are delicately carved and meticulous. Its inherent nobility and elegance make its title of 'Madonna' among church architecture well-deserved.
— East Gate of the Baptistery of the Cathedral
Especially worth emphasizing is the East Gate of the Baptistery of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Italy, having entered the Renaissance first, saw unprecedented prosperity in various arts. Besides frescoes, sculpture and other art forms also embraced comprehensive innovation.
Rambling: This bronze relief 'Gate of Paradise' was the work of Lorenzo Ghiberti, one of the representative figures of the period. He won first place in the competition for the relief creation of the Florence Baptistery doors. He spent 27 years, from 1425 to 1452, carving it with painstaking effort. Later, Michelangelo praised the relief and bestowed the name 'Gate of Paradise.' The original, after being damaged in a flood in Florence, was restored and is now kept in the underground museum; the door today is a replica.
— Piazza della Signoria, Open-Air Sculpture Gallery
It seems every old city has a square as a standard feature, but among Florence's many squares, Piazza della Signoria is particularly favored.
Brief introduction: It once served as a political center for the citizens of the Florentine Republic to gather and discuss affairs, and also housed a merchant court to adjudicate disputes between guilds. Moreover, the surrounding Uffizi Gallery and Loggia dei Lanzi provided an outlet for the irrepressible artistic inspiration of masters.
Rambling: Standing in the center of the square and looking around, you can even feel the sound of hammering echoing continuously in your ears, the marble dust blurring your vision. Facing the works of masters from a hundred years ago gives you a feeling of pilgrimage—both joy and anxiety.
The reason our photos of Piazza della Signoria look so quiet is that our home's group hotel is right around the scenic area. In the early morning and evening, we can stroll freely, always feeling like we have the entire attraction to ourselves~!
Looking at the fine textures of the clothing folds carved in marble, the smoothness and texture of the carved skin,
I can't help but imagine that after the moon rises, they all come to life like in 'Night at the Museum.' Uh... I won't scare you!
Brief introduction: There is a covered bridge on the Arno River, phonetically translated as 'Ponte Vecchio' and literally meaning 'Old Bridge'; built in 1345, it is the oldest bridge in Florence and one of the earliest large-span segmental arch bridges in Europe.
A special feature of the Old Bridge is that there are shops built on both sides. Originally butcher shops, now most are jewelry stores displaying jewels, gold ornaments, rings, and diamonds. The great poet Dante, at the age of 9, fell in love at first sight with a woman named Beatrice and could not forget her. Eight years later, Dante met Beatrice again on the Old Bridge.
# Florence Dinner
Dinner features the famous Florentine beefsteak (bistecca alla fiorentina), cooked to medium-rare or rare, one bite so tender and juicy, full of rich flavors, mmm~
Preview: Day 2—Venice as Gentle as Water
Travelogue Index: 1. #Preface Musings# 2. Day 1—How Much Do You Know About the Ancient City—Tale of Two Cities (main text begins here) Travel Info Hotel Index Strategy Index Flight Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Franchise Cooperation Distribution Alliance Friendly Links Corporate Gift Card Purchasing Insurance Agency Agency Cooperation Hotel Franchise Destination & Scenic Area Cooperation More Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hotspots Contact Us Careers User Agreement Privacy Policy Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure
