Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
intextilesandbanking,andpatronizedadreamteamofRenaissanceartiststhatputFlorence
on the cultural map. Michelangelo, who spent his teen years living with the Medici, was
commissioned for the family's final tribute.
Cost and Hours:
€6, €9 with mandatory exhibits, covered by Firenze Card; Tue-Sat
April-Oct 8:15-16:50, Nov-March 8:15-13:50; also open second and fourth Mon and first,
third, and fifth Sun of each month; last entry 30 minutes before closing; reservations pos-
sible but unnecessary, audioguide-€6 (€10/2 people), modest dress required, no photos, tel.
055-238-8602,
www.polomuseale.firenze.it
.
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San Lorenzo Market
Florence's vast open-air market sprawls around the Church of San Lorenzo. Most of the
leather stalls are run by Iranians selling South American leather that was tailored in Italy.
Prices are soft (daily 9:00-19:00, closed Mon in winter, between the Duomo and train sta-
tion).
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Mercato Centrale (Central Market)
Florence's giant iron-and-glass-covered central market, a wonderland of picturesque pro-
duce, is fun to explore. While the nearby San Lorenzo Market—with its garment stalls in
the streets—feels like a step up from a haphazard flea market, the Mercato Centrale retains
a Florentine elegance. Wander around. You'll see parts of the cow you'd never dream of
eating (no, that's not a turkey neck), enjoy generous free samples, watch pasta-making, and
haveyourpickofplentyoffuneateriessloshingoutcheapandtastypastatolocals(Mon-Sat
7:00-14:00, in winter open Sat until 17:00, closed Sun year-round). For eating ideas in and
around the market, see “Eating in Florence,” later.
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Medici-Riccardi Palace (Palazzo Medici-Riccardi)
LorenzotheMagnificent'shomeisworthalookforitsart.ThetinyChapeloftheMagicon-
tains colorful Renaissance gems such as the
Procession of the Magi
frescoes by Benozzo
Gozzoli. The former library has a Baroque ceiling fresco by Luca Giordano, a prolific artist
from Naples known as “Fast Luke”
(Luca fa presto)
for his speedy workmanship. While the
Medici originally occupied this 1444 house, in the 1700s it became home to the Riccardi
family, who added the Baroque flourishes. While the palace is rarely mobbed, you may en-
counter a slight bottleneck at the Chapel of the Magi (Cappella di Gozzoli). Only 10 people
are allowed in at a time, but the line moves quickly.
Cost and Hours:
€7, covered by Firenze Card, Thu-Tue 9:00-18:00, closed Wed, last
entry 30 minutes before closing, ticket entrance is north of the main gated entrance, au-
dio/videoguide-€4, no photos in Chapel of the Magi, Via Cavour 3, tel. 055-276-0340,
