I usually keep my expectations in check and like to be surprised on the positive side.

What sites impressed you deeply and/or changed your intial opinions?

I think I gasped when I saw DAVID at the Academia. More beautiful than I expected.

Without any doubt...DAVID...NOTHING can come close IMHO!!!!

Although it was a very difficult 463 steps, the view from the top of the Duomo is amazing!

I had the great privilege of going to school in Florence for four months and just about everything took my breath away, but my absolute favorite thing to do was to take the bus to Fiesole in the late afternoon, early evening to watch the sun set over Florence and drink wine.

Florence is my favorite city so far in my travels. I found the Duomo breathtaking and the art simply spectacular. I doubt I will ever see vibrant colors like the frescoes in Brancacci Chapel.

That said, the most amazing thing I have ever seen is David. I agree with what all have said here. He looks like he's just about to turn to you and ask why you're staring!

Many things in Florence surpassed my expectations, but if I had to choose one it would be David.

The view over the city from Fiesole was also pretty darned stunning.

I'm kind of a weirdo but for me it was the Laurentian Library. I had been wanting to see it for years but was expecting to be much more enthralled by the paintings in the Uffizi, the Duomo, the Medici chapel etc. While I loved all almost everything I saw in Florence, the staircase in the Laurentian Library are probably the number one thing that I think about when I remember my trip.

The David is up there at the top of the list, but I also am thankful for finding the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. I visit every time I've been in Florence.

Being able to see original panels from the Baptistery is wonderful. There's another wonderful Michaelangelo Pieta, which I find more moving that the one at the Accademia because he reportedly sculpted himself as Nicodemus. Most emotionally evoking for me is Donatello's Mary Magdalene- very haunting.

Krix, I'm with you as far as the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. I made certain that I saw the original panels from the Bapistry doors and was enthralled with the other works on display. It seems few people mention this wonderful jewel of a museum. But DAVID is still tops for me! Well, the gelato wasn't shabby either!!!!!

The Pontormo Depostion in Santa Felicita in the Oltrarno, just steps from the Ponte Vecchio. And easy to visit, in the chapel on the right just as you walk in the door. Be sure to bring change to turn on the lights.

The statues of dawn and dusk and night and day (or was it dark and light?) in the Medici Chapel were amazing along with the audio tour. The view from Michelangelo Square is breathtaking. Santa Croce church was awesome. The gelato....ahhhhh...

Of course, David goes without saying. But, although I really had no preconceived idea about it, the ceiling of the Baptistry was amazing. All those 13th C mosaics (done over I think a 60-year period) are wonderful. Well worth it to get the audio guide.

You must climb the steps of the Duomo. I would have never believed you could get to close to the paintings and then to look down and realize that someone actually painted those, way up there, it makes it all the more amazing!!!
LisaS

One of my favorite experiences was climbing up to Piazalle Michaelangelo and looking out and a stunning panorama of Florence and its environs. Just beautiful!

I also agree with David. Much larger and more striking than I had imagined.

Tracy

The one and only DAVID !!!!

ellenem,

The Pontormo Deposition is one of my favorite pieces of art in Florence...it is stunning and beautiful...completely agree with you..

The interior of the Baptistery for the fabulous mosaics.

The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

thanks for the feedback.

I agree. David. Brought tears to my eyes.

Also the Duomo museum and Michelangelo's Pieta. I think a lot of people visit the Duomo and then skip the museum. Don't!!!

Lastly, as Statia said, "Fiesole". Not only is the view spectacular, but I love the town.