From Tavistock to Florence ...

Here is the last part of my Italian triptych; Florence.  I know it's hot, busy and hard on the feet, but it is also extraordinary.  The sheer volume of Renaissance art and architecture at every turn within the city is overwhelming.

Here are just a few snaps:

The Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence

Santa Croce was rebuilt in 1294 and is the burial place for, amongst others, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and the great Galileo who was tried by the Inquisition no less.

Next is the Ponte Vecchio, the Medieval bridge over the Arno River, housing shops selling gold bling.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

The River is a lovely colour don't you think.  What would London Bridge have looked like I wonder?

On to David.

Replica of Michelangelo's David

I know it's only a replica, but still, pretty iconic.  Michelangelo sculptured the original between 1501 and 1504.

Finally, one of the best aspects of Florence is the myriad of streets, arching here and there, channelled by beautiful, tall buildings.  So many stone roads; ordinary and extraordinary simultaneously.