An early morning visit without the crowds to the double Basilica of St Francis of Assisi – with beautiful frescos by Giotto – really liked this church both for masterpieces and serenity. Also viewed relics of St Francis and his tomb.
Then on to Florence – quite a drive but our turn in the front seat. Apparently unseasonably hot here for this time of year so time in the bus is not always a bad thing. We wandered the Piazza del Duomo with it’s stunning intricately carved cathedral in red, white and green marble, baptistry with the golden “gates of paradise” and of course we stood in awe in front of the original David by Michaelangelo – some 5.17 metres high and anatomically correct! Also saw several other of his unfinished sculptures “the slaves” – never completed as Michaelangelo was ordered to paint the Sistene Chapel instead. Crossed the Ponte Vecchio the covered bridge over the Arno River on which Florence is located. Not enough time for the Uffizi gallery this visit – home of finest collection of Renaissance Art donated to Florence by the Medici family.
