Wed April 30 - San Ambrogio Market, Synagogue, Notte Bianca, Uffizi

Marian, Toby and I walked over to the other, less touristy public market that Lise had told us about:  San Ambrogio.  Picked up some provisions.  Fun to see all the vegies and fruits as well as, inside, this wonderful display of fresh pasta.

Marian went home to get Harry.  Toby and I went over to the synagogue (Tempio Maggiore Israelitico di Firenze) which is in the same neighborhood as the market.  Very beautiful inside.  No photos allowed but you can see some online here.  

One thing I learned:  In August of 1944 retreating German troops tried to destroy the synagogue but the Italian resistance defused most of the explosives and only a limited amount of damage was done.  It was restored after the war.  

Later that day we all walked over to the other (south) side of the river to the Oltrarno (Ultrarno) quarter.  The name means "across the Arno" and it's a part of Florence that's tried hard to keep its neighborhood feel.  Lots of antique shops, artists, cafes and restaurants, plazas where people hang out.  Spotted a few good restaurants for later.

Tonight is Notte Bianca!  (white night)   Lise had told us about this - otherwise we would not have known what all the excitement was about.  On the night before May Day it's a big holiday - people in the streets celebrating, many museums are open and free, people stay up all night.  

We decided to use this opportunity to go to the Uffizi Museum (Galleria degli Uffizi).  Huge museum in what used to be government offices ("uffizi" means office).  It holds the private art collection of the Medici family, bequeathed to the city in 1743 on the condition that it never leaves Florence.  

Got there about 7:00pm - long line but we finally got in.  Started at the top floor and walked through many many galleries of famous and beautiful paintings and sculptures.  For example, I saw Botticelli's Birth of Venus and La Primavera.  Lovely but it was all a bit much and I was exhausted and my feet were burning!  So I slowed down, sat down often, and did not even attempt to see it all.  Spent about two hours there.

Back on the street and there were people everywhere!

Dinner:  We stumbled upon this little restaurant while wandering around looking for a place to eat.  Trattoria de Benvenuto   I had Gamberoni alla griglia (grilled prawns).  Everything was fresh and delicious.   The staff were friendly and attentive.  Great vibe among other folks having dinner - celebrating Notte Bianca perhaps?  Fun.

Then we rushed to get to the Orsanmichele Museum but they were closing (11:30pm).  Back to the plaza near Palacio Vecchio which was full of celebrating people and music and a light show.  Stopped for dessert and grappa at the famous and expensive Rivoire cafe right

on the plaza where we sat outside and had a great view of the goings on.  

Here's some video to give you a taste - it opens in a new tab which might be confusing when you are finished but look for the other tab to get back to this page.    

Watch the video (about 1 min) >>

Home about 1:00am.  Great day!