Florance

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Originally uploaded by Venkata.

This place was a last minute choice as we wanted to go to Pisa. But I heard from a lot of people that it's a city that not to be missed. True it's a city that should be in not to miss session. The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze if you're looking to impress) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Our stay was in a youth hostel which is out of the city in a mount. This was for sure a wonderful place there. We walked in the mountain that night and reached that place.

Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had been eclipsed on the political and economic fronts, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: and its skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.
The glory of Florence is rooted in its past. The Medicis commanded the city's fortunes for centuries and, as patrons, they encouraged the Renaissance's influence on the city. We just roamed in the night and saw a few very very nice places there.
Florance - Duomo
You will probably spot Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome - predominant on Florence's skyline - from a far but when you first come upon the Duomo (cathedral) from the crowded streets around its square (Piazza del Duomo) you will doubtless be taken aback by the ordered vivacity of its pink, white and green marble facade.
Brunelleschi won a public competition to design the enormous dome, the first of its kind since antiquity. Although now severely cracked and under restoration, it remains a remarkable achievement of design.
The great temple's full name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and it is the world's fourth-largest cathedral. It was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took almost 150 years to complete. It is 153m long and 38m wide, except the transept, which extends 90m. The cathedral it replaced, dedicated to Santa Reparata, fitted into an area extending less than halfway down from the entrance to the transept.
Florance - Piazza della Signoria
A massive holding tank for tourists (if you want space, bring a bicycle bell), the city's most splendid piazza was created virtually by accident in the 13th century and - lined with replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings - has been the hub of Florentine political life ever since.
Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, served to warn Cosimo I's enemies of what would happen should they cross the line, and is the finest original work on the piazza. The story about this was told to us by Dalareen. We saw all this in the night. I wonder how this could look in the day.