European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - March 14, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Lorenc Gate to the tuscan Paradise the fortress like Palazzo be Ejinio looms Over the Piazza Della sign aria whore Tours of the old Litvin horse drawn carriages begin. Z Story and photos by Bill Walker staff write Florence is a City whose tame rests upon its unparalleled achievements in arts and looters and its a magnificent natural  a the greatness of Michelangelo Raphael a Vinci Botticelli Ghiberti Cellini Dante and a score of others  assure Florence s stature among the world s cultural ��., a capitals. \  -. A . Plus As Gateway to the famed rolling Hills and Scenic a villages of Italy s Tuscany Region the City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. A i in Vas italians know their incomparable first City of the Renaissance is Best explored on foot. Ponte Vecchi othe  i Bridge that spans the  near  the old Low n Center is an Ideal starting Point for a v walking Lour. -. Piazza Della Signor a the most celebrated Square of  Florence b a three minute walk from Ponte Vecchio. The Square b noted for , including the a equestrian  Euf 1  City Leader Grosimo theelder,.called the grand merchant of Florence. The .   Page ii Vecchio the City s principal Palace  Lorms a looming backdrop to the Square Quot. A ,. I tic  c m she Lutfi i the greatest museum of. Florence is around the Corner from the Palazzo vec c to. A a Lew blot away up the via or Cal Aioli is Pidima a Dei Dunn  i. At Lidral , the True heart of Florence the c a hoc pal dome .3 75 feet High is the most recognizable Leaigre of the pity Skyline Interior stairs Lead to  Tojo hum  a m a go i tic in View of the a City and surrounding Hills ,. A g a. A the dome is complemented by die adjacent 2 it too Campanile,.or hell Tower and the nearby baptistery. Tie Bap Eiery is famous for its massive doors. V. My Delangelo i ailed the East doors clone by Lorenzo Ghiberti worthy of being the Gate to Paradise. The -. A sculpted Bronze panels which took Ghiberti 2 7 years to Complete epic t biblical scenes. / the pith Palace and gallery across the Ponte Vecchi Bargello  and museum Basilica of Santa Croce monastery of St. Mark the Church of san Lorenzo and the no Aiby  Palace Are among dozens of other b i a  Worth a visit. Most museums Are closed on. Monday. A . 1 he c Lassie View of Florence is from Pizzale g. My Delangelo a Large Square on a Hilltop across the Arno trom the old . The focal Point of the Square is the Bronze copy of Michelangelo s David. The original is in. The City s Academy gallery another copy graces the a. Piazza Della Signoria a. A a. Beyond Florence the Road into Tuscany beckons South toward the. Gothic City of Siena and he medieval town of san Gimignani. Fhe Piazza Del Campo is the heart of Siena and the j  Square in Tuscany.  of the Square Lonn a Ian shaped Lamphi healer fronting . Simu in Chi gothic building a cad s. A. 1 even streets enter Piazza Del Campo All giving a 7. To a i it the of Iii. , the Fountain of Joy Al the hear a the unique expanse of rectangular stones. F. .7 i no t enter of Siena is a pedestrian  and the Quot winding streets and alleyways Are filled with visitors a or Lually every Clay f he largest a Royds gather on july 2. And aug. 1c, for the a i in me  1 5 the Century. Testival., and Tor. A dangerous horse race the Corsa at. A Palo around  and Slippery stones cof. The  Square. A a  . 1 he nost dramatic View of Siena is from the 2fifi-foot Bell Tower of the Palazzo Publico the City  i he walk d town of san Girn Ignancy about 30 minutes of drive from Siena is called Italy s Rothenburg recalling  near perfect medieval town. /. San Gimignani is famous for the towers that Rise above i Hgt Hilltop ramparts. Wealthy families1 built the towers to showcase their Power and to provide a Haven during lie inc cup it Waittie of he Middle Ages Over the cent utter the ravages of warfare and earthquakes plus neglect combined so topple but 14. Of the 72 original slim lures. A a walking Lour of the town s  takes mily two or three fumes. The Best View is from the 1 i 7 toot liver of the Palazzo Del Popolo Palace of i lie Peop e. The  museum is on the Sec Ond floor of Tiu Palace