We were able to spend only one afternoon in Florence, and it just wasn't nearly enough. It is amazing city of beautiful art and architecture... and brimming with people. It is in the Tuscany region and attracts millions of visitors each year. I think that there were about 40 million in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella the day we were there.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the "Duomo". Constuction began in 1296.
Interior of the Basilica.
I was blessed to celebrate Mass here on one of the side altars. It was an especially interesting experience because of the continuous loud hum of talking people which sounded lake waves of the ocean permeating the Basilica.
A side street leading to the Duomo.
