I know, I know, it's time I start to post some more photos. It seems that when we're not out exploring, everyone wants to use the computer, including the kids. That's my excuse for falling behind on posting some new photos. Anyway, I thought I'd start out with a few from the building across the street. Palazzo Vecchio has been the government building / town hall in Florence for over 700 years. It also houses the royal family, including Cosimo de' Medici, whom we went to visit earlier today. Cosimo became the Grand Duke of Florence in 1537 at the ripe old age of 18. It was under his command, that the link between art and power received a major boost and the Renaissance was born. It was a very interesting tour through the palace, and near the end, our guide found a secret passage in the palace that led us back in time to visit with his majesty. The Duke was perplexed by our strange clothes and behaviors, and talked to us about the differences in today’s society. Cole was able to ask him all about his soldiers and army. Here are a few photos of the palace that I've taken so far. If you'd like, I think you can click on most of them and they will enlarge. Two are of the exterior, one is through the window towards the Duomo, one is the main town hall meeting space (the largest such gathering space in Florence), and finally the Duke himself. By the way, I also posted a couple more London photos, so be sure to scroll down the page. Ciao.
