Lovely Florence

I really loved Florence, which is small in scale, artsy and has a distinct "hometown" feel.  Because the city center is so compact, most of its buildings are narrow and small - which only makes the Duomo (Brunelleschi's Dome) seem more immense.

Due to its sheer size, there is no shortage of exterior shots of the Dome.  But the inside of the Dome is impressive as well, with frescoes representing the last judgement (morbid, but fascinating!)

We also visited some of Florence's famous art galleries, where we got a close glimpse of priceless works of art including the (in)famous statue of David clutching his sling.

We also spent time at St. Croce, where many famous people are interred (Galileo, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Machiavelli, etc.)

Still, Florence doesn't take itself too seriously, as evidenced by the merry-go-round placed in the center of the city's most illustrious piazza.

I already want to go back!