Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Florence is a wonder and there is something special about it. You have to be there to feel the magic and the beauty and the art in everything you see. It has a rich history. Florence flourished in the 15th century, under the leadership of Cosimo de Medici it became the most important center of artistic and intellectual achievement. The Medicis oversaw Florence most prominent periods.

This panorama is from Piazzale Michaelangelo with magnifiecant view of Florence and the Duomo.

The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) over Arno river was built in Roman times but after floods destroyed the bridge, it was rebuild in 1345 in the way you can see it today.  Over it's arcades runs Vasari's concealed passageway. The bridge's present-day shops, merchants and dealers can come as a shock on this historical landmark, but the Ponte Vecchio has always been loaded with stores like those now propped over the water.

The Duomo or Cattedrale di SantaMaria del Fiore. When Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned to erect a cathedral he was told to build it so magnificent that it would be "impossible to make it either better or more beautiful with the industry and power of man". I think he succeeded. The Duomo with it's ornate decoration looks unbelievable. Such a work of art in all respects.

The Campanile - the cathedral's bell-tower. You can climb up to the summit, the parapet at the top of the tower offers a wonderful viewpoint.

The entrance door to the Duomo with it's magnificent ornate carvings and beautiful mural painting.

Florence's fortress-like town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio was begun in 13th century, but in the current shape it was formed in 1540. At the entrance to the palace there is Michelangelo's sculpture of David. To the right there big open plan building with many other beautiful sculptures of famous arstists.

 

 Couple of images from the old city of Florence. So it is a lovely place to go to.

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