On To Firenz!

We say Florence, but if you look for it on a map in Italy, you will look for Firenz. It is located in the Tuscany region of Italy, and is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Here are 3 images that epitomize this incredible region.

It is a very hilly region, with fortified ruins at the peaks of the hills, and field after field of sunflowers, grapes and olive trees. The wine from this region is Chianti among others. There is also quite a nice leather industry here. I bought a fabulous purse on my last visit.

The main city in Tuscany is Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and while there are numerous well-known attractions here, the 2 that most people think of first are David and the Duomo.

Can you even imagine how huge this statue is? Even from afar it is enormous, especially when put in perspective with the tourists in the foreground. Do a google-search on this famous statue by Michelangelo and read all the interesting facts about it. And then watch the old movie, The Agony and the Ecstacy. Classic.

Here is a closer look.

From the Accademia Galleria where David is located, we walk several blocks toward the Duomo or as it's known to the Italians, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. I have a difficult time describing how massive this church is. As we make our approach, this building just looms larger and larger and larger. I don't think I have ever been so struck by the size of a church - even St. Peter's in the Vatican didn't strike me so impressively as this domed church with its layers of pink and green marble in the center of Florence.

 The Baptistry with its famous doors, and the Bell Tower are nearby, and the Piazza is always abuzz with tourists.

Bella Firenz!