I understand that almost all the museums are closed on Mondays - thinking about spending some time in Fiesole on Monday - looking for other suggestions as to what to do on a typical summer Monday in Florence. We will try to get to the Uffuzi and Accademia on Sat. afternoon and Sunday. FYI - we will have already spent 2 days in the Tuscan countryside (Friday and most of Saturday prior)and we have Sunday and Monday in Florence, then leaving for Venice Tuesday AM. Thanks!

Just saw Elaine's very informative reply to a similar question - her response pretty well covers it, unless anyone has more to add. Sorry to be redundant.

Hi Jo,<BR><BR> Just wander around the city. Stop by the Piazza Signoria.<BR><BR> Vivoli's is open 'til midnight Sunday.

Wander in the Oltrarno, across the river from all the other visitors trying to figure a plan for their empty Monday. Check on which churches with small but notable chapels might be open. I think the Cappella Brancacci frescoes in Santa Maria del Carmine are open Monday (closed Tuesday). Another favorite, in Santa Felicita near the Ponte Vecchio, first chapel on right as you enter, lovely frescoes by Pontormo. You could string together a few chapels which require only brief visits, with pleasant wandering and shopping between.

The Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace! <BR>I went only because it was just about the only tourist area open in Florence on a Monday, and I had the most pleasant surprise of my trip - even though nothing was in bloom since it was mid-March. It is a combination of formal French gardens (like Versaille) and informal walking paths (like Mainau in Lake Constance), and filled with beautiful sculpture. I suppose the summer crowds might detract, but I experienced the most glorious day and beautiful views.<BR>

Will the markets, and shiops be open?<BR>

Markets yes, shops mostly open too.

Hi jodalahh,<BR><BR> You might be interested in <BR>Casa Buonarroti <BR>Via Ghibellina 70 Open 9.30-13.30 Closed on Tuesdays Tel. 055-241752<BR>�. several early works by Michelangelo among lots of other stuff � <BR><BR> This was Michelangelo's home.<BR>

Check out our newest travelogue for tips to help you make the most of your trip to Italy: <BR>http://www.thetravelzine.com/it_w2003_1.htm<BR>TheTravelzine is non-commercial

Thanks everyone. These suggestions are great - and i was worried we wouldn't have that much to do on a monday! <BR><BR>Ira - what is Vivoli - is it a restaurant?<BR><BR>Thanks again,<BR>jodalahh

Vivoli=gelato, very near Santa Croce

Hi Jodalahh,<BR> Vivoli is either the best gelato shop in the whole world or too touristy and overpriced to be worth it.<BR><BR> That's what happens when you spend too much time on this forum.

Hi again jodalahh,<BR><BR> When you go up to Fiesole, consider going for dinner at<BR><BR>L'Polpa abt 20 E/pers <BR>Tuscan cuisine Antique ambience<BR>Pzza Mino, 21 Micheline Guide rated best tel. 05559485<BR><BR><BR>

If your taking the train to Venice splurge for the Eurostar the other train sucks.

Speaking of Vivoli, don't miss the church at Santa Croce. It was my husband's highlight of Florence. Michaelangelo, Dante, Galileo, and many other brilliant Italians are buried there. The Leather School is also housed there, and both are open on Monday, I believe.

There is now a charge to go into the Santa Croce church which even the italians were embarassed about, it's been on since last july.<BR>If you go to the Boboli gardens don't miss the porcelain museum which is situated right at the far end of the gardens with some lovely views.<BR>The Buonarotti house was owned by Michelangelo's newphew, not actually certain if Michelangelo ever lived there himself. It is worth visiting. If you enjoy walking you could start in Fiesole and hike up the ridge to the east to Villa Boccana and then down to Compiobbi and return to Florence on the train from there. Stop halfway in Ontignano at the little taverna for lunch. The info centre in Fiesole will give you a small map.