Arriving in Florence we made our way to an overlook - Piazzale Michelangelo - that would allow us a panoramic view of the city. Known for its red tiled roofs, Florence sits along the Arno river in the middle of the Tuscan hills.
Our morning walking tour of Florence began with a visit to the Academia which houses Michelangelo's original statue of David. The statue is possibly the world's most famous statue. The statue - about 17 feet tall - was commissioned by the Florentine republic, who saw the biblical hero laying the giant Goliath as a symbol for the creation of the nascent republic. The statue, which was created by Michelangelo in 1501-1504 from a single block of marble, was instantly admired for its proportions and attention to detail. The statue brought instant fame to the 29-year-old Michelangelo. 
The Duomo di Firenze, the Florence Cathedral, dominates the cityscape. Built between 1296 and 1436, the cathedral is one of the largest in the world. (Architect: Brunelleschi)
The Florence Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in the city, constructed between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style. The octagon had been a common shape for baptisteries for many centuries since early Christian times. The Church of Santa Croce Baptistry is know for its "Gates of Paradise" doors. With eight panels - the number eight is a symbol of regeneration in Christianity, signifying the six days of creation, the Day of Rest, and a day of re-creation through the Sacrament of Baptism. Before anyone could enter a Christian church, he or she had to be baptized. Thus, the baptistery was a separate building outside the church.
The Giotto Bell Tower is faced with white, red, and green marble like the Cathedral. The majestic square-based bell tower, begun in 1334, was probably created more as a decorative rather than functional element. The hexagonal and lozenge panels express the concept of universal order and the story of redemption. The reliefs begin with the creation of man and continue with the representation of human's activities: the planets that regulate the course of existence, the virtues that strengthen, the liberal arts that educate, and the sacraments that sanctify. 
Continuing our walking tour, we made our way to the Piazza della Signoria. The Loggia dei Lanzi at the piazza contains a number of original sculptures. The steps offered a place for folks to sit and people watch or enjoy lunch. The Neptune Fountain with the figure of Neptune in the middle of the fountain speaks of the Florentines dominion over the sea. 
Leaving the Piazza della Signoria we passed the Uffizi Gallery where there was a long line of folks waiting to go inside. There were also street performers along the way. The Ponte Vecchio was pointed out to us. The bridge built in 1345 is covered in houses. Initially the houses were for shopkeepers such as butchers and tanners. Due to the stench, the shops were changed to goldsmiths, etc in 1593. Today, the bridge houses shops for tourists, jewelry stores, etc. 
Our walking tour ended at a leather and gold shop where demonstrations were done to show the difference between fake and genuine leather as well as gold. Several folks were picked out to model various leather coats and gold jewelry was passed around the room. Following the demonstration, we had about 2 hours of free-time to eat lunch and do some shopping. Lisa and I ate at Cafe Bistrot. We shared a pizza and did some people-watching. While we were sitting there a carriage driver went by wearing an Auburn University cap. We yelled, "War Eagle!"
Several made their way back to the hotel. Lisa and I went to get gelato at a place recommended by the tour guide - Vivilo. Yum! After the gelato, we made our way inside the Duomo di Firenze and back to the Ponte Vecchio before walking back to the hotel.
At 6:45 p.m. the group walked to dinner. We ate at Il Giardino. We had bruschetta with tomatoes, sliced pork (cinta senese), salad, and Tuscan beans. For dessert we had panna cotta. A strolling accordion player came in, played a few songs, and begged for money!
Back in the room we prepared for an early departure and we bid goodnight to a wonderful visit to Florence.
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