Piazza della Signoria.

Annamaria on Monday

My neighborhood piazza is the central one in Florence.  That means that it can be crowded and a bit difficult to navigate during the high season.  On the other hand, it means that I am just a few steps from great things to see. Here's a little bit about what I've been looking at over the past few days.

First, a few shots of the holiday projections on the facade of the Palazzo Vechia.

Earlier last week, I took a walk around the piazza with some visiting friends. For decades, I have been  admiring the statues on either side of the door, and the other one nearby to our right.  For the time, they seemed to be sending a message.

This I am sure you recognize as the copy of Michelangelos David, your original of which which still here to work.

Hercules and Carcus by Bandinelli

Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini

When I looked at them a few days ago, introducing my friends to them, it occurred to me how very interesting they were when you think about this being the aythe entrance to the headquarters of the Medici. They seem to say, "I am watching you (David). If you don't behave, I will take control of you Hercules). If you attack me, I will takeoff your head.(Perseus)." This of course is not  are the real history.  I but it isn't exactly totally wrong.