The National Museum "Il Bargello", Via del Proconsolo, 4 Hours: Daily from 8:15am to 1:50pm. Cost: Euro 4.00.
The original home of Bargello, or head of police spies, where Masterpieces of Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Cellini, Donatello are presented, along with priceless ivory, enamel, jewelry, tapestries and weapons.
For a complete listing of the state museums of Florence, go to the Polomuseale Firenze site.
You’ll find exhibitions, current happenings, libraries and a wealth of other information that will make your visit easier and more enjoyable.
Florence claims the first ice cream. In 1565, Bernardo Buontalenti, the architect to the Royal Court of the Medici family, was hired to create fabulous events for the Florentine banquets, including stage constructions, theater events, fireworks and food. For one of his creations, he decided to chill pastry cream in the special rooms created to keep ice, transported from the glaciers in Abetone down the Florence, and used to chill drinks. Creative experimentation led to today’s ice cream.
Stroll down near Santa Croce, search for the famous Vivoli Gelateria (via Isole delle Stinche, 7r). Tucked away on a narrow side street, it will no doubt be full of tourists from many countries furiously and excitedly exclaiming over the gelato flavors. In gelaterias you pay first at the register and then go present your receipt to the server for your gelato. Vivoli’s has several mousse flavors, (a very creamy gelato). The "mousse di amaretto" and "mousse di ribes, (black current)," are particularly rich and tasty. Gelato is renowned as an "edible art form", emanating a certain delicate beauty and with a soft texture that makes it a joy to eat.
