My second day in Florence consisted of again walking around the Cathedral just to view its majestic architecture and to tour the areas around the Cathedral. Across from the Cathedral is another small building known as the Baptistery. It is an octagonal shaped building which was originally built in the 4th-5th centuries. The exterior is green and white marble but the most striking part of Baptistery are the three sets of bronze doors. Each of these doors depicts religious scenes...Stories of the Life of the Baptist, Stories from the New Testament and the Gates of Paradise. The Gates of Paradise are divided into ten panels which depict Stories from the Old Testament. The interior of the Baptistery is covered by marble as is the floor. Amongst all this marble are beautiful mosaics and a tomb of Antipope John XXIII.

As we continued through the city of Florence, we walked through the Loggia Dei Lanzi. This airy gothic building was originally built for assemblies in 1376. Two lions flank the entrance and there are various other sculptures below oval openings along the front of the building. Here you will find local artists with their easels, displaying their art and also painting and sketching as visitors look over their shoulders. As we continued along this area, I came upon the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and was built in 1345 and its greatest feature is not only its age but the three arches that sit over the Arno River. As you cross this bridge, you will find retail stores lining both sides of the bridge selling jewelry. This bridge is famous for its jewelry stores.

As we continued through Florence, there were several markets set up in the streets. Leather goods, pottery, flowers, clothing and the most authentic looking knock-off brand name purses you could ever wish to find and at very reasonable prices. You will also find the local musicians playing in the streets with their hats or musical cases laying open for donations.

There is so much to see and do in Florence and I am hoping to be back again to take in more of the sights of this famous city.