Florence

Florence may not be first on the list of attractions in Italy for many, but after exploring this city, I must say it really surprised me with its beauty!

It was a chilling cold morning!

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the main church of Florence, also known as Piazza Del Duomo, an iconic symbol of Florence!

We arrived in the early morning before the crowd

Behind me was the Baptistry, one of the oldest buildings in the city, built between 1059 and 1128. This octagonal Baptistry is renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures, and the east doors are called "Gate of Paradise".

Truly beautiful...... I meant the architecture of the church

Our tour guide for today! A very humorous and interesting guy! He successfully made me listen to him for more than 10 minutes^^

I'm not sure whether you notice on the brick pavement in my previous posts, that's the road in almost all the places that I visited in Italy! So strictly no high heels or stiletto when you have to do walking tour in Italy!

Giotto's Bell Tower

It looks like a simulation by computer

Cold die us................

Love my ostrich fur coat!

A famous breakfast shop in the street!

Basilica of Santa Croce. Just a photo stop and we did not manage to go in for a visit.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi. I read from internet that this palace is full of statues and furniture used by the Medici family.

After an hour of walking, we desperately needed a place to warm ourselves. The weather was just too cold! We settled down in a restaurant recommended by tour guide and had our short break!

Boring sandwiches.... as they just don't look good and delicious like those I saw in Japan.

Very nice ambiance ^^

And it was still very cold..... Gotta continue our walking tour

Palazzo Vecchio, town hall of Florence, Italy.

We were at Piazza della Signoria. This square in the heart of the Renaissance displaying masterful sculptures for all to enjoy in the open-air museum known as the Loggia dei Lanzi. This sculpture is called Bartolommeo Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus

Behind me was Benvenuto Cellini's statue Perseus With the Head of Medusa

Copy of Michaelangelo's David overlooking the square

Benvenuto Cellini statue at Ponte Vecchio

Crossing Ponte Vecchio right before our lunch! Beautiful view from this old bridge with tiny shop after shop but too bad it was 1st January and most of the shops were closed! The sky was not bright enough to add color to the river T_T

Lunch at Osteria dei Baroncelli Restaurant

Love the interior decoration and ambiance here!

Our starter, forgot its name but it tasted quite good!

And here's my Florentine steak!

It was tender, tasty and perfectly cooked! But just a bit too plain because you know, Malaysians just like sauce too much!

Amazing Italian experience!

We had a stroll along the scenic Arno river

I love the reflection on the river!

A lovely and romantic place!

Then we proceeded to Michelangelo Square, which is famous for its hilltop view.

It's very panoramic with the Duomo prominently standing out as well as the lovely buildings along the Arno river.

From here you get a magnificent sight of the city. Although we went in a cloudy day, we really enjoyed the visit.

Photo with our good-looking driver! He's the best driver ever! Super friendly, polite and professional!

As this square is dedicated to the great artist Michaelangelo, you'll find another copy of his famous David here.

Good bye FLORENCE!

BUONANOTTE (good night in Italian)!