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| We descended the stairs today - very carefully |
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| And walked through the now familiar courtyard |
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| A little better access to the garden |
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| The door was locked when we arrived giving a moment of anxiety |
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| Amy, Sue, and Julie |
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| The chapel is beautiful! |
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| St Catherine's statue in the courtyard |
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| Mass in these very special places is wonderful! |
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| We walk back up the hill, past St Domenic's to the bus . . . |
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| . . . after a chance to "smile" The attendant here was a little strange, greeted us all by name (we wear name tags) and even followed some of the women in to greet them! |
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| We checked into an ultra modern and very nice hotel - at least the lobby was nice. The rooms were hot and no A/C, so we propped our patio door open. Later, two of our group had a cat burglar strike, who crept in through the open windows and stole all their money & their cell phones! |
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| We then met Silvia who was our guide in Florence. |
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| Our first stop - the Galleria dell'Accademia |
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| This gallery is one of the most famous in the world and contains some incredible art - here the Rape of the Sabines |
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| There happened to be a special exhibit about St Francis, so I ducked in, listening in my "whisper ear" to the guide in the main gallery |
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| The Accademia is most famous as the home of Michelangelo's David |
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| But there is abundant art of all styles - much religious - here the Resurrection |
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| Taking Jesus down from the cross |
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| the baptism of Jesus |
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| The Pieta |
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| The tree of life - described in the next pane |
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| A large hall with marble sculptures |
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| We had but a short walk to the Duomo (Cathedral) and the cameras all came out! |
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| Theresa in front of the Duomo |
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| The Baptistry is undergoing restoration so was shrouded. The bell tower is visible for miles! |
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| Each of the three main doors have intricate carvings around them |
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| The Blessed Virgin has center place with the apostles flanking her |
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| If you have the time and inclination, the Duomo has a fine view of the city |
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| The doors to the Baptistry are ornate reliefs |
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| For me, the inside of the Cathedral was a little disappointing - vast open spaces with very little art |
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| A unique votive candle holder |
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| The main altar is very handsome but also very modern looking |
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| The dome of the Cathedral is covered in a fresco |
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| We did not have direct access to the side altars |
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| An ancient clock that has Roman time! |
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| We head back out on the street and pass the Piazza della Republica |
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| Like ducks following mama duck! |
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| The horses seemed very tired and worn |
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| Bob & Theresa on the gold bridge |
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| The river Arno |
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| Fr Vince, Bob & Theresa |
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| The river is popular among rowing enthusiasts |
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| Ponte Vecchio - the Gold Bridge |
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| The arched walkway was built so the Emperor wouldn't get wet in the rain |
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| The Piazzale degli Uffizi |
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| With statues of the great Italians - here Amerigo Vespucci |
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| Galileo |
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| Macchiaveli |
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| Dante |
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| We were put on our own until dinner time and found this little Church - Chiesa di San Carlos dei Lombardi |
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| The side altar had a glove from Padre Pio |
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| ThePiazza del Mercato Nuovo - been a market for centuries - now a tourist trap? |
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| The legend is that if you rub the boars nose and drop a coin from his mouth into the grate, you will return |
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| Must work since we did this last time we were here! |
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| The ornate base of the statue is often overlooked |
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| The best Chinese merchandise money can buy? |
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| On to the Piazza della Signoria - here we find Loggia de Lanzi - an open portico with numerous statues |
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| Where there is an abundance of statuary - here Persius with the head of Medusa |
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| ,The rape of Polyxena |
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| Hercules defeats Nessus the Minotaur |
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| Neptune Fountain |
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| There was a significant police presence everywhere we went |
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| Dinner time! |
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| We were seated inside - not on the piazza! |
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| Shared our table with Vicky and Dan - our new friends from Cincinnati |
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| Good food and good company |
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| . . . and good beer! |
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| We will visit this church tomorrow! |
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| An old Roman watch tower |
Tomorrow - More time in Florence!
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