Michelangelo Square
The Piazzale Michelangelo offers a magnificent panorama view of Florence. This bustling square, a fashionable meeting place for the 19th century upper middle classes, is still evocative and memorable, especially when the sun sets over the river. In the center of the square is a copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David, in bronze. The Giardino dell’Iris (Iris Garden) off the piazza is in full flower in May. The Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden) on the terraces below the piazza fully blooms in May and June, and is open only then.
Climbing to the top of the Duomo in Florence is a must. I remember stopping the count at 400 stairs; there are 464. You can climb at your own pace and, if you are in reasonably good shape, should have no problem. It’s worth the climb. The views are spectacular. The large bell tower was designed by Giotto, probably the first Early Renaissance painter of merit.
When you walk back out of the doors of the church, you’ll be facing the Baptistery, originally used for baptisms. These doors were crafted by Ghiberti and the bas relief on the doors, "Doors to Paradise," is awe-inspiring. Ghiberti managed to achieve depth and detail in no more than 1-1/2 inches, taking 20 years to complete his creation. City fathers were so impressed that Ghiberti was commissioned to do the doors on the north side of the Baptistery, which took another 20 years. A lot of guide books describe the doors in detail. It is a place to stop and ponder and to be enriched.
