Florence

Florence (Italian: Firenze) is the capital city of the region of Tuscany, Italy.
We arrived in this historical city in the evening of 15 th July 2007 - sunday.

One of the main attraction in this city is the Florence Cathedral (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore). It was build during 13 th century. The basilica is notable for its dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi its exterior facing of polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white.

This cathedral was, the largest in Europe when completed, with room for 30,000 people. It is now only exceeded in size by Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, the Seville Cathedral, and the Milan Cathedral.





The dome of the church -






Piazza della Signoria an L-shaped square in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It was named after the Palazzo della Signoria, also called Palazzo Vecchio.

It is the focal point of the origin and of the history of the Florentine Republic and still maintains its reputation as the political hub of the city.It is the meeting place of Florentines as well as the numerous tourists.

Benvenuto Cellini's statue Perseus With the Head of Medusa in The Loggia dei Lanzi gallery on the edge of the Piazza della Signoria.



The Arno river, which cuts through the old part of the city, is as much a character in Florentine history as many of the men who lived there. Historically, the locals have had a love-hate relationship with the Arno — which alternated from nourishing the city with commerce, and destroying it by flood.
In the background you can see a bridge which cuts across River Arno.


This bridge in particular stands out as being unique — The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges, held up by stilts.
This bridge has a lot of gold shops on both side..
Warning for men: Dont bring your wifes or credit card near this place.


We said good bye to Florence with a lovely (surprise) Indian dinner at the Fiesole hills. The restaurant "India" was excellent and the dishes delicious.