Day 139 - Florence

Point of departure: Marciano della Chiana, Tuscany

Point of arrival : Florence

Accommodation: La Colonica, Tuscany

Km travelled today: 30km Cum: 25 410 km(gravel 0km cum 4 649km)

Countries so far: 12/16

Where to next? Rapallo/Portofino

No of photos: 120 (cum 6 396)

We have travelled by car, by boat, by plane and now… by train. We left the Beast behind at the cottage and caught the 07h00 train from Castiglione de Fiorenti into Florence arriving at 08h00.

Florence the city of the Renaissance, and following tradition to see where it all began, we started at the Piazza del Duomo - a huge square with the Duomo, Battistero and Campanile. The Duomo originally designed in 1296 by several architects was an engineering challenge and when finally consecrated in 1436, was the largest octagonal dome (385m) in the world as well as the tallest in the city. Even to this day, out of respect for the achievement of the architects, the city has passed an ordinance that no building can be taller than the Duomo. The Cathedral was not yet open so we decided to visit, and climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome. The view from halfway looking into the church below and the ceiling above was magnificent, and a short rest before continuing the climb to the "observation" area at the top of the dome. The climb was worth it as we were rewarded with superb views of the square and the surrounding city. Then back to ground level, by which time the church itself was open for visitors.Compared to the façade of the Duomo, the interior of the church was quite restrained, but still beautiful.

We walked around the Battistero (Baptistry) and had a look at its famous bronze "Doors of Paradise" (3 in total - work started in 1401 and completed in 1424) with themes from the Old Testament e.g. Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, Adam & Eve and Noah. Unfortunately the Battistero was closed until 12h30 so we were not able to go in.

Lastly and by no means least, the Campanile (Bell Tower - 6m smaller than the Dome) designed in 1331 with 414 steps up to the top of the tower. Having just climbed the 463 steps to the top of the Dome we took at face value the statement that the view from the top was just as magnificent.

We then walked the streets of Florence with two aims in mind, sightseeing and shopping (specifically for leather goods). Bicycles seem to play a big role in the lives of Florentines - people of all ages used bicycles in and around the centre of Florence. We even saw a tour group on bicycles.

Briefly, our walk took us along Via del Corso (shopping street) through to Piazza della Republica and Piazza della Signoria, past the Mercato Nuovo (markets were closed today) where Marina, following tradition, stopped to rub the nose of the bronze wild boar thereby ensuring our return to Florence, then down to the iconic Ponte Vecchio (built in 1345) the oldest and most famous bridge on the River Arno. The shops on the bridge were originally occupied by butchers but when the stench got too much these were replaced by jewellers who still occupy the shops today. This was the only bridge on the Arno which survived World War II as a direct result of its fame - the other bridges were bombed by the retreating Germans.

At Piazza de Santa Croce with its church, John took time out, sat at a piazza restaurant, had a drink, read the paper and listened to music whilst Marina investigated the leather shops surrounding the piazza.

Florence truly is a beautiful city and in spending a day we have barely done justice to the wonders of Florence.Still much to be seen but that will have to wait for another day, another trip.