Our Trip to Italy -- Sculptures & Paintings in Florence

Couldn't come to Florence, and not see the Art, with a capital A!

We started the day in a long line, waiting to get into the Gallerie Accademia, to see Michelangelo's David.  That's pretty much the only reason to go to the Accademia, in my opinion . . .

Next, we visited the Palazzo Vecchio -- a fortress-like castle with a 300-ft. spire, dominating Florence's main square . . . 

The Grand Hall is a 13,000 square ft hall, lined with huge frescoes and interesting sculptures . . . 

More Palazzo Vecchio . . . 

The arch in the Piazza della Repubblica . . . 

We relaxed outside the Uffizi Gallery, in its amazing Courtyard . . .  

Inside the Uffizi, we were able to see the greatest collection of Italian paintings and sculpture anywhere!

Caravaggio . . . 

Michelangelo . . . 

Botticelli . . . 

Our only gripe was about the tour groups.  Waiting in line to get into these museums was not that bad.  But, once we were inside, the tour groups -- lots of them -- sort of monopolized the place.  The tour leader with her little flag would march up to a painting or sculpture, everyone in the group would gather round, and then they would stand there FOREVER, listening to the tour leader talk and talk . . . 

"You're killing me with these tour groups, already!"

After a siesta back in our room at the Hotel Dali, we walked to a nearby piazza for dinner, and were pleasantly serenaded by two musicians, playing classical music.  They were very good!