Firenze.

Zach and I above Firenze with Il Duomo -- the Cathedral -- in the background.

One of my favorite cities ever. We spent two days in Firenze (Florence, in English). I love this city. It is the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to Michelangelo's David and so many other amazing artworks...The photo above is a replica of David, in the Palazzo della Signoria where David originally stood. (The real David was moved to the Accademia Gallery in Florence.)

The Palazzo Vecchio is the town hall of Firenze. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria with the replica of David and the gallery of statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi.

The Loggia dei Lanzi is the open building with the three arches to the left. The big white statue is the fountain with Neptune.

Giambologna, The Rape of the Sabine Women. This is one of the statues in the Loggia dei Lanzi.

The fountain with Neptune as the central figure.

The entry to the Palazzo Vecchio, flanked by Michelangelo's David replica, and Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli. (Google is my friend...).

A couple of us went into the Palazzo Vecchio. More amazing art work and spaces. I cannot imagine how they built these enormous and intricate buildings, and how they painted these huge detailed murals on the ceilings and walls. Truly stunning.

Blogger is acting up, only allowing me to upload one or two photos at a time...so more on Firenze later...