Honeymoon in Italy: Highlights of Florence, Part III

We saw the gardens of the Palazzo Pitti from afar.

It rained our last full day in Florence, so we figured it was the perfect time to stay indoors and visit a museum. We had walked past the Palazzo Pitti when we walked across the Ponte Vecchio, so we bought tickets so we could explore what was inside. We didn't pay to get access to the gardens, but with the poor weather, we figured that was okay. This was a palace where the Medici family lived when they ruled Tuscany, and after that other powerful families stayed there, too. Now it is an art museum.

This is the inside atrium.

There is a grand ballroom that has been renovated to have carpet. Why?!

This was another place that had SO much artwork that you didn't know where to look!

There were several marble tabletops that had the most beautiful colors!

There were many painted ceilings that told stories of the Roman gods. I loved learning about Roman mythology in middle school, and it was fun pointing out the gods, goddesses, and heroes I recognized. This is Mount Olympus, home of the gods.

Some of the columns, angles, and arches on the walls and ceilings were not real, just painted to look 3D.

Everything was just SO ornate and over-the-top beautiful!

I wonder if royalty ever used these plates or if they were always just for show.

Within the palace, there is also the Museum of Fashion and Costume. The exhibit takes you along women's fashion throughout the decades. I'd say the main thing that changes are hemlines and waistlines. I was mostly inspired by all the different fabrics. So pretty!

If only we had more opportunities today to get dressed up like that! At least I'm planning a gala this year for work; that will give me a chance to wear a long, fancy dress!

My next post will be about our time in Sorrento. Check it out soon!