Here we are. Touring churches and palazzos and dodging the shocking October crowds here in Florence.
I am surprised at how many new discoveries are on display. In the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, there are 3 frescoes discovered from 2004 to 2011 behind the frames of other paintings. Restoration took several years so they only went on display from 2011-13. So if you were in Florence before that you will have to come back, because you haven’t seen these [1].
Basilica de Santa Maria Novella
HVW @ Arno River
Ponte Vechio – Arno River
Museo Medici Riccardi
Leonardo Botanica – Basilica de Santa Maria Novella
Leonardo Botanica – Basilica de Santa Maria Novella
Florence
More to come, maybe tomorrow.
Footnote 1: And even if you came after they were restored, you may still have missed them. The original oil paintings have been mounted on massive hinged metal supports, and they are only moved to reveal the frescoes 2 or 3 days per month.
b r a n n a n . o r g 
Many thanks for the post from Florence. We did’nt go there but instead chose
to visit Sorrento and Capris. So we appreciate seeing your pics. Looking forward
to more whenever you have time.
Amy B.
Every big city in Europe has shocking crowds nowadays. We became one big museum.
But nevertheless enjoy Italy!
Yes – one big museum is right. From what I’ve seen, there is nothing in Florence except tourists (including us). Not good.