The city offers something for almost everyone, from viewing some of the world's greatest Renaissance art to wandering around boutiques & markets, wine tasting and wonderful food.
We had a sunny day and headed to the Duomo, where it could be admired in the morning sun. The Duomo is the heart of Florence with Brunelleschi's dome being the highest point in the city. It's hard to prepare a 1st time visitor for the brilliant colors and immensity of the Duomo. After a coffee stop we headed to San Lorenzo, the ancestoral home of Cosimo il Vecchio, founder of the great Medici dynasty. San Lorenzo was the Medici family church and was primarily redesigned by Brunelleschi & Michelangelo. It remains a parish church and mass was in session while we were there.
After yet another coffee stop (I can barely go a block without wanting a coffee - the best, to me, are in Italy) we were off to the convent of San Marco, dominated by an ancient cedar tree. The convent has a remarkable series of Fra Angelico frescoes as well as the 1st public library in Europe. The library is gone but there is an interesting display of print making.
By now hunger is uppermost in importance. So we made our way to Mercato Centrale - hoping to find some real Tuscan food. We did - but probably at rip off prices. Later that evening, we learned the better food was on either side of where we ate.
After some shopping at the market, Philip and I headed back to the hotel to rest & we assumed the Sostman's would soon follow - Not! They hadn't had enough walking - they ended up at the Ponte Vecchio the oldest bridge in Florence & probably the most expensive. Gone are the butchers & tanners & in are the gold smiths.
About 7:00 we met for supper and began our search for the Trattoria Za Za. Fantastico! Not so good with bringing us our bill but the food was oh so good.
As we were dining, the rain started, just a shower but the 1st indication a cool front was moving thru.
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