Italy --where art flourished

Italy is one country that seems to have a timeless appeal for every one;the wonder being the union of modern with the ancient.Arriving at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome one can take the Euro Rail to Florence.The local trains are a cheaper option ,but they can be quite overcrowded.The two hour journey is picturesque,punctuated with meadows,quaint houses,hills and small rivers.Florence has an overwhelming number of sights to offer its visitors.There are about 400 palaces,50 ancient churches and 70 museums in Florence alone.Nearby towns such as Pisa and Tuscany have equally famous sights.This certainly benefits a city of the Medici family doctors of Florence that spurred the European Renaissance-a journey that enthroned the European race in the modern world to date.
The heart of Florence lies on the north bank of River Arno.Piazza Del Duomo is the historic religious focus city dominated by the church popularly called 'DUOMO' which is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del.The designer and engineer Brunelleschi gained fame because of his splendid architechtural marvel.The dome, which is 140 feet wide and 180 feet high, was completed in 1461.One has to get into a long queue to get inside the church.Battistero San Giovanni Baptistery lies opposite the Duomo with its three splendid,carved bronze doors.
Southwards towards River Arno, at a 10 minute walk from the dome,is the famous Uffizi Gallery near the Piazza Vecchio,It is a collection of priceless artists.The work of Michelangelo ,Raphael,Leonardo da Vinci and other great artists are on display.
South of the Uffizi is the River Arno-very popular with rowers ----spanned by a series of bridges that divide the city into two.Close to the rivers is the famous street full of jewellery shops,which sells breathtakingly beautiful pieces of jewellery.The Pizale of Michelangelo gives an over view of the the entire city .A giant ,Michelangelo's David stood in the centre of the piazza and the beautiful city of Florence could be seen from there.In short ,Florence is a pleasure in itself.