della Robbia babies

For one ravishing moment Italy appeared. She stood in the Square of the Annunziata and saw in the living terracotta those divine babies whom no cheap reproduction can ever stale. There they stood, with their shining limbs bursting from the garments of charity, and their strong white arms extended against circlets of heaven.
Lucy thought she had never seen anything more beautiful...

Room with a View
by EM Forster

When I read this book years ago, I was struck by the descriptions of Florence. It was quite overwhelming to finally be able to stand in this square and experience it myself.

The tranquility of the square was in stark contrast to the craziness of the Uffizi queuing system. Even with a prepaid time slot we had an hour to stand in the heat. Was worth it though - beautiful light and views from the top floor; the building magnificent in itself; the art works an added bonus.

Then a climb up to the  Piazzale Michelangelo for that sunset view...