MON - Galleria Degli Uffizi was closed on Monday, so we started our Florence art trial at Palazzo Vecchio,
where a replica of David by Michelangelo stood,
and where the entrance was guarded by Adam and Eve.
There were other sculptures like Perseus holding Madusa's head, Neptune, etc. The kids had a scavenger hunt looking for the sculptures.
Next, we shopped at Loggia Del Porcellino at Via Porta Rossa. Florence is famous for good leather products and tapestry, and this is one place in you get a good bargain. There was also this famous bronze pig that is said to bring good luck if you rub its snout.
Our next stop was the Florence Duomo. Unlike the Milan Duomo, the Florence Duomo was built with white marbles, patterned with green and black marble. It was a unique sight compared to the Milan Duomo and the St Mark's Basilica.
East Gate (Gate of Paradise): The Florence Duomo boast the unique Gate of Paradise (East Gate) of the San Giovanni Baptistry, which has a series of bible stories carved on the golden door. Facing the main entrance of the Duomo, this golden gate was our favourite indeed. Can you recognise the bible stories?
South Gate: The South Gate also have bible story carvings, but not in gold.
West View: There is no gate on the west side of San Giovanni Baptistry because the alter is on this side of the building on the inside.
North Gate: Like the South Gate, the North Gate also have bible story carvings, but not in gold.
The exterior of the Duomo, Giotto's Tower, and Brunneleschi's Dome are more impressive than the inside.
We had lunch at Ristorante El Cantastorie near Bargello
before taking a short walk 
to the Ponte Vecchio (so it was great that we stated at Hotel Calzaiouli at the heart of Florence). Ponte Vecchio was an old bridge full of gold shops where merchants sell gold. Rather charming place to be and have a gelato or coffee.
Across the river, we could see Piazzale Michelangelo. I wondered if he ever stayed there since he was commissioned by the Pope to paint the Sistine Chapel and had spent much time in Rome.
A little walk from the Florence Duomo and we were surrounded by little shops along the streets along Piazza San Lorenzo. There were many nice things to buy here ... leather belts, ties, tapestry, bags, spectacle boxes, cups,t-shirts, all with masterpiece prints, etc. The best fun was to bargain. Great shopping!
Christmas Market at Piazza Della Signoria, near Hotel Calzaiouli (our third Christmas Market)We asked the hotel staff if there were chinese restaurants in Florence, and was told that there was a Chinatown within walking distance from the hotel. It turned out that it was a chinese restaurant called China Town (Via Vecchinietti) Ristorante Cinesi. Nonetheless, we had dinner there. The food was quite good actually.
Florence is truly the Capital of Art in Italy.
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