Two Churches

We couldn't have found a better location to stay here in Florence. I already said we are right across the street from the Mercato Centrale, which can supply much of our food needs. We are just a block from the San Lorenzo church and walk by it frequently The Medici Chapels are attached. Yesterday we thought we would go to the Duomo (just another two blocks or so) to look around inside. When we were here six years ago we climbed to the top of the dome, but never actually went inside the cathedral. It is free, but when we got there at 10:00, the sign said it opens at 10:45. We didn't feel like waiting, so went back to the Medici Chapels. But they were closed on Tuesdays! Oh, well, we should have plenty of time to get inside both places. 

Michelangelo was supposed to create the facade for San Lorenzo, but he never got to do it. It is still unfinished today, as you can see below.

We can hear the bells ringing at San Lorenzo. They rang frequently on Sunday. This view is looking up toward the bell tower from the front.

The Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most iconic sights in Florence. The cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Giotto Bell Tower are all covered in white, pink and green marble. Below is looking up at the front of the cathedral, with the bell tower to the right.

We walked completely around the Duomo, and this view is of the Giotto Tower from the rear. One of these days we will tour the Baptistry and the Duomo Museum, which houses the original Ghiberti bronze doors, known as the Gates of Paradise. The ones on the outside are copies.