Day 1 in Florence – Between Serenity and Grandeur, a Day Where Art Comes to Life

#JulyTravelSupport The highlight of my Italian trip, Florence, was my first full day. In the morning, I departed from Rome and visited St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican once again. It was always overwhelming and reverent. I spent a moment of reflection beneath its dome, which seemed to touch the sky, and reflected on the meaning of my trip. My first stop after arriving in Florence was the Basilica di San Lorenzo. Embracing Brunelleschi's classical beauty and the vestiges of the Medici family, the exterior is simple, but once inside, a weighty and solemn atmosphere permeates. Giotto's bell tower, a true Florence landmark, was truly elegant. While I couldn't climb it due to time constraints, the view from below was equally impressive. It was truly amazing to think that each and every intricate carving was created by the hands of medieval craftsmen. Finally, I climbed Piazzale Michelangelo to admire the nighttime view of Florence. The red-roofed cityscape, the Duomo, and the Arno River all came together in a picturesque scene, and I stood there for quite a while. It was a moment far more captivating to capture with my eyes than in a photograph. A day where art and piety intersected. My first impression of Florence was that it was "much deeper than I expected."