Near right is the Chiesa Santa Maria Novella which was built by the Dominicans between 1279 and 1357. The piers of the Nave are smaller towards the altar giving a perspective illusion of great length. Unfortunately, the chiesa was closed for renovation for the Jubilee, a problem we were to find throughout Italy. Fortunately, most of the sights we wanted to see were open.

   Probably the most famous structures in Florence are the Duomo and Campanile (Dome and Bell Tower) of Santa Maria del Fiore (above and far left). The facades are made from black, white, rose and green marble. Near left are one set of four bronze doors to the Baptistry.

   The doors were built by Lorenzo Ghiberti in 1401 after he won the contract after showing intricate models. They took 21 years to complete.

   To the right is a perfect example of Florentine artisanship. This detail mosaic graces the main entrance to Santa Maria del Fiori.

   Below is the Piazza della Signoria in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Both the Palazzo and the Piazza are the heart of Florence. Originally, they served as government centers and are now museums including the Uffizi. In the center of the piazza is the Fontana di Nettuno, built in 1575 by Ammannati to commemorate Tuscan naval victories.

   To the right is the reproduction of Michaelangelo's David. The original stood in this spot until 1875 when it was moved to the Gallaria dell' Accademia in an effort to preserve it. Other famous statues in the Logia next to the piazza are the Rape of the Sabine Women, Prometheus and various Roman Emperors.

   The Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) crossing the Arno is the oldest bridge extant in Florence. Built in 1345, its shops housed tanners and butchers who conveniently threw their waste into the river. Because of the stench, they were evicted by Ferdinando the First to be replaced by jewelers. The city benefitted by a cleaner Arno and the Medici benefitted by higher rents. The Corridorio Vasariano above the bridge allowed the Medici family to cross the bridge without mingling with the general public (right).

   The Palazzo Pitti (middle right) was originally built by Luca Pitti in an effort to out-do the Medici in shows of wealth and power. Ironically, the palace was to bankrupt Pitti's heirs and was then purchased by the Medici's who made it their primary estate in 1550. The palazzo is still owned by the Medici family and houses several museums of art, sculpture, silver and china. This view is from the Boboli Gardens behind the palace.

   As you can see, (bottom right) the Medici's had a commanding view of Florence from the Palazzo Pitti. Here the watch tower of the Palazzo Vecchio appears to be as tall or taller than the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, but the Duomo is considerably taller.