Buongiorno TUSCANY

Arrivederci Roma - we are off to Tuscany, and the sun is shining.

*****

The bronze David welcomes us to Florence, at Piazzale Michelangelo

Where we can view a panorama of Florence,

It's incredible "DUOMO'

Ponte Vechio Bridge across the River Arno and the Santa Croce All tour buses are now parked on this side of the Arno and we walk along the Riverbank to Ponte San Niccolo to cross over to Piazza Di Santa Croce Made a purchase in this Piazza - a tiny lapis cameo charm to add to my lovely bracelet of Mums.

After the Chapel

We spent some time in the Cloister of Santa Croce

Where Michelangelo's tomb is

We then wandered down to the Ponte Vechio

the oldest bridge in Florence - built in 1345 and the only bridge in this city to escape being blown up in World War 11.

The medieval workshops have rear extensions overhanging the river supported by timber brackets called sporti!

On one part of Ponte Vechio - minus workshops

other bridges across the Arno

Very old corridor and facade along the Arno

Now to the Duomo or Cathedral - set in the heart of Florence

It dominates the city with its enormous dome. It's sheer size was typical of Florentine determination to lead in all things.

and to this day, no other building stands taller in the city - you can climb to the top of the dome - 463 steps up, then the same down!

The Campanile above at 85mt (276 ft.) is 6 mts. shorter than the dome and is clad in white, green and pink tuscan marble - completed in 1359.

The neo gothic marble facade echoes the style of Giotto's Campanile,

but was only added in 1871 - 1887

Piazzo della Signoria

A coffee here after our viewing of the real David in Carrara marble (no photos in there)

and then the Sea God below - Neptune - farewells us!

*****

The entrance to Borgo San Luigi - our Tuscany accommodation

The old stables - now rooms and courtyard

We declined a night in the minute "stable" and requested one of their newer rooms

and we were in luck - there was one available with patio

with a very pleasant outlook

Tonight - it was drinks and dinner down in the Restaurant

which was beside the Pool.

The Manager's dog - Sam greeted one and all and the dinner was superb - and loads of fun - a great group on this tour.